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A vintage retro 20th Century desk thermometer having a cast resin body with set with shells and seahorses having a round white enamelled dial with baton marker to 60 degrees centigrade. Measures 21 cm tall.

4 LARGE SEA SHELLS

QUANTITY OF SEA SHELLS VARIOUS TYPES

Postcards, Glamour, Kip, Bomb Shells, Series 3218, pub. By Tuck's, 5 cards (all unused, gd/vg) (5)

Various shells, sea life, crustaceans, large type shell, 23cm W, various other shell collections on card backs, etc. (a quantity)

SHELL BODY ORNAMENTS EASTERN HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA puka shell and fibre, both of eliptical form, with puka shells woven onto a fibre base, the smaller example with woven fibre bands for tying and a central section left bare and stained with red ochre (Dimensions: largest 76.5cm across) 

A WWII Gas Mask in Original Cardboard Box Together with 1923 Brass Shell Case, Two 40mm Brass Shells and 30mm Case

20mm cannon ammunition belt including 18 spent shells

WW1 British Army 1916 Military Medal group to Private W. Bridge,who was an ‘Old Contemptable’ of the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, his M.M. most likely a 1st day of the Battle of the Somme award.Military Medal, G.V.R., impressed named 9548 PTE F.W.BRIDGE.1/SOM:L.I.; 1914 Star with clasp, impressed named 9548 PTE F.W.BRIDGE. 1/SOML.I; British War and Victory Medals, impressed named 9548. PTE.E.F.BRIDGE. SOM.L.I.; Imperial Service Medal, G.VI.R. impressed named Freddy William Bridge M.M. Medals court mounted for display & come with copies of M.I.C., medal rolls, census, London Gazettes and 1st S.L.I. Battalion war diary 1st July 1916. Scarce.Private Frederick William Bridge’s joined the army in February 1913 with the regimental #9548. He served with the 1st Bn Somerset Light Infantry for his entire service. He landed France 21/8/1914. (M.M. Gazetted 11/11/1916). It is highly probable that this was an award for the 1st day of the Somme (Ref: Great War Medal Collectors Companion by Howard Williamson). Discharged 12/2/1920. 1939 senses occupation listed as postman in Deal. I.S.M. London Gazette 23 January 1953, Postman, Deal. Died 12/2/1973. Frederick was lucky to survive the war, given the casualties for the 1st Bn in 1914 alone were 36 officers and 1,153 other ranks, even worse on 1st July 1916 (1st Day Battle of the Somme) the unit lost a total of 463 men killed, missing or wounded.The 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry went straight into the thick of the action on landing on the continent. The Battle of Le Cateau, Battle of the Marne, Battle of the Aisne, Battle of Armentières 1914. The Bn took part in the famous 1914 Christmas 'truce', whilst entrenched around Ploegsteert Wood.  The 1914 operations cost the 1st Battalion some 36 officers and 1,153 other ranks as casualties.1st Day of the Somme: War Diary states: 'Z day. Fine and warm. After a very intense bombardment, at 7.20 am a large mine was exploded under the Hawthorn Redoubt. Practically no casualties were suffered while in Assembly trenches. At 7.30 am the attack was launched. The 11th Brigade advanced in magnificent style. The advance was carried out excellently to start with, and a severe barrage was not encountered. Shortly after heavy rifle fire was opened and machine guns from both flanks…The battalion had to ease off to the left owing to the ridge which it should have crossed, being swept by machine guns.The diary of Lance-Corporal Arthur Henry Cook illustrates the fighting: It is a lovely morning and the birds are singing…The bombardment is now terrific the German lines are one cloud of smoke, that it seems to be impossible for anyone to live in such a hell…We were able to stand on the parapet to get a better view, there is not a sign of life in front and no response from the German Artillery…Our men were timed to advance 10 minutes after the Rifle Brigade, but so eager were they to get on, that they left soon after…and consequently were caught in the open by these guns…I led the platoon in to the German first line, and after a breather went in to the German second line, here I lost control owing to the men rushing from one shell hole to another in their advance. The ground is littered with our dead…The clearing parties are not doing their work properly in clearing the trenches of all Germans, as here and there parties of Jerrys are popping up and throwing grenades at us from all angles…It is impossible to get any further…the shell holes are full of wounded and no hopes of getting them back…The Germans were now trying to force us out of their trenches, we got together what was left of us now and by collecting bombs from the dead and what Jerry left behind we managed to hold on…then the supply of bombs gave out and no more could be got, the Germans then gradually drove us back inch by inch through their superior supply of bombs…We are a very small number here now and men are being killed and wounded in all directions…I have a terrible thirst caused by the fumes from the shells, the wounded are also crying out for water, but none is available…Our troops are gradually retiring leaving a very small garrison to hold the trench…This is getting pretty hot here now but our orders are to hang on to what we have until midnight, when we are being relieved…The enemy artillery has now started and are dropping shells thick and fast all around us…We held on until relieved about 11 pm, an officer then said we may go back, we didn’t need telling again, we had had our belly full.

WW1 British Royal Navy Division medal group to Able Seaman F.C. Proctor, Howe Battalion, who served at the disastrous defence of Antwerp. And was aboard H.M.S. ALCANTARA when she was sunk, having been fired upon by the German raider Greif.1914 Star impressed named SX6/128. F.PROCTOR, A.B.R.N.V.R. HOWE BTTNRND & British War and Victory Medals, impressed named S.6-128 F.C.PROCTOR. A.B. R.N.V.R. Comes with copies service papers, medal rolls & research.Frederick Charles Proctor was born 14/3/1896, with his home address as 55 South Rd, Newhaven. Occupation given as a dock labourer. Enlisted R.N.V.R. 14/4/1914. 13/6/1914 – 10/7/1914 H.M.S. HIBERNIA, R.N.D. 22/8/1914 joined Howe Battalion & landed Antwerp, 29/10/1914 – 27/11/1914 H.M.S. VICTORY I, 28/11/1914 – 28/3/1915 H.M.A.C. CALYX. (Her Majesty’s Armed Cruiser) 10/7/16. 28/3/1915 – 14/4/1915 H.M.S. VICTORY, 15/4/1915 – 31/3/1916 H.M.S. ALCANTARA which was sunk, 1/4/1916 – 5/5/1916 H.M.S. VICTORY, 6/5/1916 – 18/4/1918 H.M.S. EUROPA (Flagship at Mudros July 1915-1919), 19/4/1918 – 15/6/1918 H.M.S.  VICTORY. 16/6/1918 – 3/9/1918 HMS (Gunnery School) & 4/9/1918 – 2/4/1919. H.M.S. PRESIDENT III.Battle with Greif. Action of 29 February 1916: In January 1916 Alcantara embarked on the 10th Cruiser Squadron's G patrol. She was due to return to port on 1 March, but on the morning of 29 February 1916 she was north-east of Shetland en route to a rendezvous with Andes she intercepted the German merchant raider Greif disguised as the Norwegian merchant ship Rena out of Tønsberg, Norway. At 0915 hrs at a range of 6,000 yards Alcantara ordered Greif to stop for inspection, which she did. Alcantara's company went to Action Stations, she trained her guns on Greif, closed to 2,000 yards and slowed to lower a cutter to put an armed guard aboard the suspect ship.At 0940 hrs Greif increased speed and opened fire. One source claims she raised the Imperial German war ensign ("Kriegsflagge"). However, Alcantara's captain, Thomas Wardle, reported that after lowering the Norwegian ensign Greif fought under no flag. The first shell hit Alcantara's bridge, disabling her steering gear, engine order telegraph and all telephones and killing or wounding a number of men. Captain Wardle ordered full speed and open fire at a range of 2,000 yards. A messenger was sent aft and got her after emergency steering gear connected.Greif turned to starboard and closed range to 750 yards. Several German shells hit Alcantara near her waterline, entering her stokehold bunkers and engine room. Greif tried to torpedo Alcantara. Captain Wardle reported that evasive action at 1002 hrs allowed the torpedo to pass clear under Alcantara's stern, but another source states that a torpedo detonated amidships against Alcantara's port side. A shell from Alcantara's port after 6-inch (150 mm) gun hit and detonated the ready ammunition for Greif's after gun, putting it out of action. By 1015 hrs Greif was badly afire by her bridge and seemed to have stopped. At 1022 hrs Alcantara saw boats leaving Greif and duly ceased fire.Greif then fired one more shot, and Alcantara duly returned fire. The one shot was later attributed to a shell left in the breech of an abandoned gun being fired by the heat of the fire now raging aboard Greif.By 1035 hrs Alcantara was reduced to about 3 knots (5.6 km/h) and her after steering gear was disabled. Her helm seemed to be jammed hard over to starboard but she was turning to starboard. Wardle ordered his company to cease fire, stop engines and go to boat stations. The order to stop engines was not received, but flooding in the engine room stopped them. Several of Alcantara's lifeboat falls had been damaged by enemy fire, so that attempts to launch some boats caused men to be dropped into the sea. Alcantara rolled, capsized and sank at 1102 hrs. At least 15 of her boats and a large life raft floated clear.The C-class light cruiser HMS Comus and M-class destroyer HMS Munster then arrived. Comus proceeded to rendezvous with Andes about 8,000 yards away, while Munster started rescuing survivors. Greif was carrying a large amount of cork that at first kept her afloat. Andes and Comus reopened fire on Greif. Eventually a large explosion, possibly of ammunition, sank the German ship. The battle killed 230 men from Greif and 68 from Alcantara & 210 German survivors were rescued.A very good R.N.D. Howe Battalion defence of Antwerp group, with a cracking German raider naval action in which both ships involved were sunk.

WW2 Canadian Army Battle of the Scheldt ‘killed in action’ group of 5 medals to Private A.J. Collins, Highland Light Infantry of Canada. 1939-45 Star; France & Germany Star & War Medal & Canadian Volunteers Service Medal, all unnamed as issued, along with a G.V.I. Canadian Memorial Cross, engraved on back B.103196 PTE A.J.COLLINS, his H.L.I. of Canada cap badge. All items mounted on a tartan covered card and Come with copies enlistment papers and research.Albert John Collins, was born on the 13/3/1924, in Ontario, Canada. Enlisted 15/7/1943 after serving 6 months in the reserve with the Irish Regiment of Toronto. Served Canada 16/7/43 - 16/2/1944, UK 17/2/1944 - 2/7/1944, North West Europe 3/7/1944 - 9/10/1944, when he was killed in action during the Battle of the Scheldt.Private Collins would have been involved in some tough fighting with his unit, as they were involved in just about every major battle from Normandy, Caen breakout, pursuit across the Seine, Antwerp, Arnhem & Battle of the Scheldt.The Assault Across the Braakman: Operation "Switchback”.The 9th Brigade's amphibious operation was to be conducted with the aid of "Terrapins" and "Buffaloe’ amphibious vehicles. The plan was to "marry up" the infantry and the Buffaloes in the Ghent area, then swim the brigade in the vehicles up the Ghent Terneuzen Canal to Terneuzen and thence on across the mouth of the Braakman inlet to land east of Hoofdplaat, in the rear of the German pocket.The actual landing took place in the early hours of 9 October. Soon after midnight the Buffaloes left the mouth of the canal at Terneuzen and sailed westward. There were two columns, each of 48 vehicles, one carrying The North Nova Scotia Highlanders, who were to touch down on "Green Beach", a couple of miles east of Hoofdplaat, the other, carrying The Highland Light Infantry of Canada, being directed upon "Amber Beach", closer to the Braakman. The landing was set for 2:00 a.m. The beaches were marked, 15 minutes before this time, by coloured marker shells fired by our artillery, which then proceeded to fire other markers at other points to mislead the enemy. At five minutes to two the beaches were again marked. The leading craft actually touched down about five minutes late. The enemy had been taken by surprise. There was no opposition, except a few shots in the H.L.I. of C. area; and shelling from the German coastal batteries at Flushing, across the West Scheldt, did not begin till dawn.In these fortunate circumstances, the bridgehead was soon firm. A smokescreen was laid down with floats to protect the movement of craft from the German gunners, and by 9:30 a.m. the reserve battalion, The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, was ashore, accompanied by heavy mortars and machine-guns of The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (M.G.). The S.D. and G. directed their advance on Hoofdplaat, while the other battalions pressed southward.13 The Germans were now recovering from their surprise and reacting with characteristic vigour, and shelling from Breskens and Flushing was troublesome. Opposition was heaviest on the front of the Highland Light Infantry, moving against Biervliet. General Eberding had rapidly committed his divisional reserve against the new menace, and although he later described the reserve as composed of odds and ends14 it fought well. It is of interest that "the prevailing mist" allowed the Germans to ferry two companies of the 70th Division across the Scheldt from Walcheren to reinforce the 64th in this crisis.15 Our advance was slow. The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry captured Hoofdplaat on 10 October. Biervliet did not fall until the evening of the 11th, after the 7th Reconnaissance Regiment, the first reinforcement sent into the bridgehead, had relieved the Highland Infantry of Canada in the line and enabled it to mount an attack against the village.

dating: first quarter of the 20th Century provenance: Italy, Straight blades of triangular section, with hollow facets, nickel-plated. Iron, nickel-plated sword-shells. Fabric padding inside, hemmed with leather, signed on both 'Mussolini' and date '5 Aprile 1915'. Quillons with remains of finishing. Wooden, checkered grips. Iron, nickel-plated pommels, with a hole. length 108,5 cm.

A lovely collection of framed and glazed shells forming a decorative flower of varying colors.   

A COLLECTION OF WWI ERA TRENCH ART ITEMS, including shell cases with cut out designs around the rim, a shell with Royal Field Artillery Crest and design, three smaller shells with designs, a circular Bruce Bairnsfather tray in brass, shell made to look like a lamp, eight trench art letter opener style knives with crests etc, various other shells and inert ordenance, three brass cigarette box holders one with the crest of a German WWI belt buckle attached, a black coloured flat shell type mine of grenade, in three parts, small shell pencil and a box of battlefield finds, rounds, etc inert (parcel)

A JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD COLLECTORS CABINET having fine Chinoiserie decorated panels inlaid with mother of pearl and shells depicting birds and flower heads amongst tree-lined landscapes with figures in the foreground, comprising of small drawers, cupboards and sliding compartments, mounted in a pagoda-shaped cabinet with pierced floral decoration 55cm wide 19cm deep 67cm high.

A collection of shells and fossils - NO RESERVE

N Gauge. EX SHOP STOCK. A boxed E-R Models #81356 Baldwin RF-16 Sharknose Set, 3 boxed and four loose Atlas Loco Body Shells, a boxed Atlas SD-24 Locomotive for spares  and a Model Power B411 Santa Fe L90 locomotive in incorrect packaging. Also included as part of this lot are two boxed Roco HOe locomotives #4150 Diesel and #4100 Dampf, both VG in damaged boxes. Overall models appear VG aklthough condition of outer packaging varies. (12)

N Gauge. EX SHOP STOCK. A boxed Arnold (Rivarossi) Penn Central 3 coach set together with two individually boxed Atlas Loco Chassis with DCC fitted - a B30-7 and a C420, all appear VG boxed. 6 loose Atlas locomotive body shells are also included as part of this lot.  (9)

A quantity of unboxed Locomotive shells, motors, coaches, wagons and a British Railways rule book 1961 together with 6 die-cast vehicles.

A quantity of mixed ceramics to include vases, bowl, jug, largest approximately 39 cm (h), also included in the lot are two glass vases containing shells. [7]

Box of Vintage Shells and Box of Minerals

Three bird garden ornaments, shells, etc.

African Tribal Type Knife, broad leaf-shaped blade, bone hilt with pommel carved as a stylised human face, in its leather sheath set with cowrie shells and 2 bone masks, string-work seam. Blade 17cms, overall 30cms. Good condition.

Each designed as a pair of stylised shells, centring oval-shape cabochon reconstituted turquoise, fitted posts, length 2cm, together with, a reconstituted turquoise heart ring, the inner shank engraved 'L Cozzy, 10.5.42', ring size L. (2)Turquoise stud earrings: Weight combined approx. 7.3g. Overall condition fair to good. Some surface scratches/ wear, discolouration and minor dents in keeping with general age and wear. Reconstituted turquoise in good condition with some natural veining evident. One reconstituted turquoise bezel not flush to the stylised shell. Gap with glue traces. It is secure. Fitted with posts for pierced ears. Unmarked metal. Evidence of a gold test mark to the reverse of one earring. Likely remodelled. Condition reports are offered as a guide only and we highly recommend inspecting any lot to satisfy yourself as to its condition. Turquoise heart ring: Weight approx. 3.9g. Overall condition fair to good. Some surface scratches/ wear, discolouration and minor dents in keeping with general age and wear. Reconstituted turquoise in good condition with some discolouration and greening. One reconstituted turquoise bezel not flush to the stylised shell. Gap with glue traces. It is secure. Reconstituted turquoise heart likely added to a wedding band. Metal unmarked. Condition reports are offered as a guide only and we highly recommend inspecting any lot to satisfy yourself as to its condition.

A Reconstituted Stone Garden Water Feature in the Form of Seated Cherub with Shells, 88cm High

Charles J Lundgren (New York, Connecticut, 1911 - 1988) "U.S.S. Massachusetts" Signed lower right. Original Oil on Masonite painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for the U.S.S. Massachusetts. The U.S.S. Massachusetts was one of the most celebrated U.S. ships of World War II. Commissioned on 12 May 1942 with Captain Francis E.M. Whiting in command, "Big Mamie" was among the first American ships fitted with 16-inch guns. She first served with the Western Naval Task Force during the invasion of North Africa as flagship for Admiral H. Kent Hewit. While steaming off Casablanca on the morning of 8 November 1942, she encountered the Axis French battleship Jean Bart. Jean Bart immediately opened fire. U.S.S. Massachusetts returned the Bart's fire, thus becoming the first U.S. ship to fire 16-inch shells against the Axis Powers. Across the grey morning sea, the battleships exchanged volleys, minutes later the Jean Bart's guns were silent. U.S.S. Massachusetts then turned her guns on a complement of enemy destroyers which had joined the fight, sinking two of them. After the Axis French government agreed to a cease-fire, the U.S.S. Massachusetts returned to the States to prepare for Pacific duty. She arrived in the Pacific on 4 March 1943. As the U.S. Navy drove across the Pacific in its "island hopping" campaign, the U.S.S. Massachusetts was part of the action. She fought at Kwajalein, Truk, Saipan, Guam, Leyte Gulf, Okinawa and Iwo Jima. For her action in World War II, U.S.S. Massachusetts received eleven battle stars. Image Size: 13.5 x 15.75 in. Overall Size: 20.5 x 21.75 in. Unframed. (B10677)

OO Gauge Model Railways: A quantity of WRENN plastic body shells for the Class 08 Diesel Shunter all in BR Blue livery - circa 90 pieces - VG

OO Gauge Model Railways: A quantity of WRENN plastic body shells for the Class 08 Diesel Shunter all in BR Blue livery - circa 90 pieces - VG

OO Gauge Model Railways: A large quantity of WRENN basic body shells for the Horse Box Van all printed one side only 'Selsdon Stables Bath' circa 160 pieces - VG

A good pair of silver butter shells with fluted bowls to ball feet. London. By GMJ. Approx. 122 grams. Est. £70 - £80.

RENÉ LALIQUE (1860-1945) 'POISSONS' OPALESCENT GLASS DISH, INTRODUCED 1921 with spiralling sardines enclosing a bubbled centre, moulded marks R. LALIQUE, 31.5cm diameter; and a LALIQUE 'POISSONS' BOWL, moulded and wheel etched marks R. LALIQUE/ FRANCE/ NO. 3212, 20.5cm diameter; together with a LALIQUE 'COQUILLES' BOWL, introduced 1924, the underside moulded with four scallop shells, with etched maker's mark R. LALIQUE/ FRANCE/ NO. 3204, 13cm diameter (Qty: 3)

Box of mixed seashells including Cowrie and AbaloneCondition Report: Shells are in good condition. P&P to Mainland UK = £20.00+VAT

Pair of French artillery shells, one with engraved trench art floral pattern detail dated 1917, the other dated 1915, and a trench art shell casing mug (3)

Metals, fossils & minerals.- Aldrovandi (Ulisse) Musaeum metallicum in libros IIII distributum, fine engraved pictorial title by F. Coroleanus, numerous woodcut illustrations, without ¶4 (?blank) as with other copies traced, some spotting or light foxing, occasional browning, contemporary mottled vellum, spine in compartments and with morocco label, head of spine repaired, corners worn, [Nissen ZBI 75; Ward and Carozzi 43; Wellcome I, 172], folio, [Bologna], [G. Battista Ferroni], 1648.⁂ Scarce first edition of volume XIII of Aldrovandi's works, covering metals, fossils, minerals and shells. At the University of Bologna Aldrovandi had established one of the first herbaria and extensive botanical and zoological collections.

‘This is indeed the greatest innovation of all if true’  FRANKLIN JOHN: (1786-1847) British Rear-Admiral and Arctic Explorer. Franklin was present at the Battle of Copenhagen (1801) and served on board HMS Bellerophon at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805). A very fine A.L., unsigned and incomplete, four pages (closely written text), 4to, H.M.S. Rainbow, Corfu, 12th September 1830, to 'My dear Children'. Franklin states that he had intended to reply to their letter of 30th May earlier, but was occupied in writing letters of business, praises their interest in the history books they have been reading, and recounts his friend, Captain Beaufort's, judgement of the Turks, which he believes to be very correct, 'In the Turkish character there is a striking contrast of good and bad qualities: though insatiably avaricious a Turk is always hospitable, and frequently generous…..the needy traveller is sure of receiving refreshment and sometimes even the honour of sharing his pipe: his religion binds him to supply his greatest enemy with bread and water; and on the public roads numerous khans where gratuitous lodging is given and fountains or cisterns for the benefit of thirsty travellers and their cattle have been constructed…..In this point of view the character of the modern Greeks would ill bear a comparison with that of their oppressors', also adding that Beaufort wrote of some Turks in a remote village, 'Though sufficiently shrewd in the sale of their cattle and fruit, they appeared to be very simple and ignorant, yet it was pleasing to observe these poor creatures with a manly independence that would do honour to more enlightened minds, kneel down on the sand at the appointed hour of prayer, and go through their prayers & prostrations without appearing to be in the least embarrassed by…..so many strangers'. Franklin further comments of his own experiences, 'The Turks you know are Fatalists as to religion and therefore believe everything must happen as it has been ordered by the First Great Creator and in consequence consider it useless to make any effort to avert evil or insure good…..even this day I witnessed an instance of similar indifference to awful events when I called on the principal Aidecamp of the Grand Vizir who is at present here. We having heard a few days ago that the Fort of Scutari which the Grand Vizir's Army has been attacking was thrown down by lightning & 600 persons killed under its ruins - I asked him whether the information was correct, he merely answered that he had heard of it, but did not know the extent of the injury and made no further comment - but passed on to some other subject of trifling importance…..his indifference arose solely from the habit of attributing everything to Fate…..We often see individual Turks here and have recently had a Turkish ship of war with a Seraskeen or Admiral on board who with his squadron have been for some time cooperating with the Army of the Grand Vizir in reducing the rebellious Chiefs of Albania, Thessaly & Epirus to subjection, indeed some of these subjects are yet within view on the opposite shores and they occasionally open fire on the inhabitants of the different Towns along the coast', continuing 'You are aware the present Sultan is a great reformist - he has introduced the European manner of exercise & fighting among his troops and…..has also caused their dress to be changed - so that now instead of the graceful Turban & flowing robe which distinguished the Turkish soldier, you see his soldiers & sailors attired in military jackets like our men…..It has even been reported that he has so far overcome old prejudices as to have taken his favourite Sultana & her daughter to some evening party……This is indeed the greatest innovation of all if true for you must have heard that the Turkish women are kept enclosed in their houses or walled gardens not to be seen by men except they be closely veiled' and also reports of his immediate surroundings, 'The Ionian Islands contain among their inhabitants people from nearly all the neighbouring countries and therefore you may imagine that there is a great variety of dresses to be seen…..They were originally Venetians and……afterwards became a Greek Colony & then Venetian and subsequently have been under the rule of Russia and France and last of all under the protection of England……All of them are very picturesque and now that good roads have been formed in them they form pleasant places of residences except for the Summer months when either the excessive heat or Malaria they become often unhealthy. This year has been an exception and there have been few cases of Fever. I have only visited Corfu & Zante. Willy who tells me he likes raisins notwithstanding the manner in which they are messed by the women & children in preparing them, would be quite delighted with the currants of Zante, the growth of which is their principal cultivation……Olives and the oil extracted from them are the principal articles of trade in Corfu - but these are grapes grown in abundance and some tobacco…..Corfu is only separated from the opposite Coast of Albania by a channel of 6 or 7 miles in width but we cannot have any intercourse with that shore for fear of being put into Quarantine…..for these places being frequented by people that come & go direct to & from Constantinople and other places where the plague is very frequent the people here are afraid of that pestilence being introduced into these Islands. If we were not in this way prevented I should have enjoyed making a Tour on the Albanian shore…..to see that parts where that Monster Ali Pacha committed his dreadful atrocities…..He was a very cruel bad man and richly deserved the death he afterwards met'. The final part of Franklin's letter, as it exists here, continues 'I think Willy has been misinformed about fine shells being procured at Malta….however….I am delighted to find he turns his attention to this or any subject of Natural History. Your Aunt has not yet joined me - she is at present making a Tour in Spain….She is looking forward to the pleasure of visiting many parts of the Mediterranean during my stay such as Greece - Athens, Alexandria, Smyrna and perhaps Constantinople which are not easy to be got at by Ladies and I sincerely hope the opportunity will be afforded her…..I will ask her to write to you occasionally when she has joined me which I think she will have pleasure in doing because she wishes equally with me to assist in cultivating the laudable desire for gaining information respecting other Countries which you my dear Catherine & Willy have shewn. I sincerely trust my dear little girl will have the same taste'. A letter of wonderful content and providing a first hand account of Franklin's experiences whilst travelling in the Mediterranean and the Greek islands in particular. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG    £300-400     

A CHINESE CANTON IVORY SCULPTURE modelled as two mussel shells slightly opened revealing an intricately carved scene of figures and horses amongst trees standing on an ebonised base 13.5cm wide

A JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD COLLECTORS CABINET having fine Chinoiserie decorated panels inlaid with mother of pearl and shells depicting birds and flower heads amongst tree-lined landscapes with figures in the foreground, comprising of small drawers, cupboards and sliding compartments, mounted in a pagoda-shaped cabinet with pierced floral decoration 55cm wide 19cm deep 67cm high.

African art Kobiay mask, Bwa Burkina Faso . . Cm 29,00 x 72,00. decorated with geometric pattern in lively polychromy, with applied edging of shells. The kobiay masks, made by the village blacksmiths, embody the spirit of Hombo, the eel-god who lives in the swamp, ancestral protector of the Bwa people.

W. TRANTER, BIRMINGHAMA FINE CASED 54-BORE PERCUSSION TRIGGER-COCKING REVOLVER, MODEL 'TRANTER'S PATENT DOUBLE TRIGGER', serial no. 13617T,circa 1855, with blued octagonal 6in. barrel engraved with scrolls at the muzzle and scrolls and shells around the barrel throat, dove-tailed pillar and bead fore-sight, standing notch rear-sight to top of standing breech, the border and scroll engraved top-strap signed 'W. TRANTER PATENTEE', colour hardened borderline and scroll engraved five-shot cylinder, fully scroll engraved blued solid frame with contrasting royal blue screws and springs, polished spurless hammer and patent trigger, swept chequered walnut saw-handled grip with engraved and colour hardened domed butt-cap, polished Tranter's Patent articulated rammer with borderline and scroll engraving and engraved mounting screw, the whole retaining the majority of its original finish, polish and colour (losses mostly to barrel-flats from case storage) and complete with its maker's original walnut storage case lined and compartmented in dark blue baize and containing a Tranter's Patent double cavity mould, a loading rod, nipple-key, powder flask, bullets and caps, wads and an oil bottle, all also in fine condition..

EX W. KEITH NEAL: THWAIT & COOMBS, BATHA FINE 10-BORE FLINTLOCK SILVER-MOUNTED SPORTING MUSKET, no visible serial number,apparently a collaboration, London hallmarked for 1746, with swamped and browned 30in. barrel, the short raised sighting plane at breech relief carved with shells, tulips and borders terminating in a carved floral flourish and signed 'E, COOMBS, BATH', applied tear-drop silver fore-sight carved with a mask, engraved band and London proofs at breech together with the maker's stamp 'E.C.' below a star, gold lined touch-hole, engraved iron top-tang with moulded sighting groove and fixed with a special square socketed screw, flat bevel-edged lock with stepped and pointed tail and engraved with a banner below the gold-lined bridled pan 'THWAITS, BATH', the frizzen with special swan-necked articulated lever attached to the foot operating on a specially shaped spring, walnut handrail banana full-stock with florally carved apron around the top-tang, complex silver rococo escutcheon to wrist, large silver heel-plate fixed with special screws and struck with large hallmarks, the top-spur moulded in relief with floral swags and borders and engraved with a musical trophy, hallmarked trigger-guard bow and tang, the bow moulded with a shell in relief, the finial also formed from two carved silver shells, carved bulbous section around the silver ramrod throat, two further silver pipes and original horn ramrod with silver tip and worm end, complete with its W. Keith Neal collection medallion numbered 'G461'.

A collection of sea shells and a piece of coral

A collection of shells and fossils.

Box of miscellaneous to include currency & shells

Two military ammunition shells decorated as trench art dated 1918

Collection of 1920's shell work flower sculptures 'Flowers From the Sea' by Marguerite May David-Baker with associated paperworkProvenance: Mrs David-Baker and her husband William David Baker started to make flowers from seashells in 1928. Collecting shells from the beaches of Dorset and Bournemouth and around the world as her husband served in the Royal Navy from 1923-1932. The Queen Mother and other members of the Royal Family all possessed May's work. They were showed at 92 Exhibitions and Shows incl. The festival of Britain, Ideal Homes Exhibition, May Flower II. Please follow the link to the 1960's Path News Newsreel 'Flowers of the Sea' showing Marguerite producing the flowers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzoZBV4H8ss Condition Report Click here for further images, condition, auction times & delivery costs

A Pair of Silver-Gilt Mounted Vernis Martin Vases, Apparently Unmarked, Probably 19th Century in the 17th Century Style, the vernis martin bodies tapering and painted with cupid and putto with floral garlands and within landscapes, the silver-gilt mounts chased with foliage, shells and strapwork on a matted ground, with putto and figure cast openwork handles, 36cm high (2)

A PAIR OF CONTINENTAL SILVER SNAIL CUFFLINKS the stylized snails have a planished texture to the body and pierced shells, dimensions approx 3.2cm x 1.5cm, weight 18.4gms Condition Report: Available upon request

Trench art from two World Wars including a 1916 shell case as a tobacco jar with a 1915 dated lid, two copper and brass paper knives one marked St. Omer and the other Voormezeel 1917, two bullet cases one with pencil and the other surmounted with a ashtray with a Royal Artillery badge and two WW2 shells converted to cigarette lighters (8).

WW1 British Medal Group to 105889 Company Quartermaster Sergeant H Finch, Royal Engineers comprising of 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Distinguished Conduct Medal, WW2 Defence Medal and French Croix de Gurre with Bronze Star. All complete with original ribbons. He was attached to the Railway Operating Division. His Citation for the DCM reads: 105889 CQMS H Finch RE (Wolverhampton) London Gazette 3 Sept 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He managed to detach two wagons containing shells which had been ignited by enemy fire from a train, and by his gallant action saved the rest. He has previously done fine work.  Also included in the sale is his hallmarked Gold London Midland and Scottish Railway Ambulance Center medallion in original case.

WW1 British Trench Art Identity Bracelet made from alluminium and die stamped "Jas Mundie, Pres, Gordon Hrs". Steel chain. 3874 Pte J Mundie, 5th battl Gordon Highlanders, was killed on 29th Nov 1916 and now lies in Adanac Military Cemetery, Mirumont and Pys, France. The obituary for him from the Buchan Observer: Killed by a shell on 29th November somewhere in France, Pte John Mundie, aged 36 years, 2nd son of James & Mrs Mundie, Rose Cottage, St Fergus.  (ADANAC MILITARY CEMETERY, MIRAUMONT ) Buchan Observer - 19/12/1916 St Fergus: Mr James Mundie, Rose Cottage St Fergus has received intimation from Chaplain D. Gordon Carmichael, that his son was with a working party when the Germans began shelling. Some shells fell in our trenches and a number of our men were killed, including Pte Mundie. He was buried next day where he fell, near Courcelette. Pte Mundie was a young man of winning personality, bright and sunny disposition and of high intellectual qualities. Previous to enlisting he assisted his father in the steam-mill threshing business

Taxidermy; A Kingfisher, perched upon a faux rock amongst grasses and shells, upon a glass dome and stand, 25cm high; Another, mounted in a glazed cabinet within grasses and shells, label to back "Preserved by John Phillips, Worksop", 28cm high. (2)

Bow porcelain triple-shell pickle or sweetmeat stand, mid 18th century, with underglaze blue pagoda landscape scenes within a cell diaper border, the central stand encrusted with shells, h12.5cmFor similar see Adams & Redstone, Bow Porcelain (1981), pg.87.. .

First period Worcester porcelain salad bowl with underglaze blue pinecone pattern to central well, surrounded by three cartouches of fruits set within moulded scallop shells, interspaced between floral sprays, with vegetables and butterflies to the exterior, mid 18th century, solid crescent to base, 25cm diameter. .

An Indian pouffe decorated with cowrie shells and a painted Moroccan occasional table

A MIXED COLLECTION OF CERAMICS TO INCLUDE PLATES, PIN DISHES, SHELLS ETC

Edward VII large silver trumpet-shaped epergne, with four swing-handled baskets, each applied with shells and fans, by William Comyns & Sons, London 1906, 36 cm high, 68 oz. (2115 gr.) .

A small collection of carved peach stones and walnut shells19th centuryThree of the peach stones carved as pleasure boats with passengers at the rails; another carved with the Eight Immortals between bands of clouds, 4.4cm long; a walnut carved with luohans or sages, 3.5cm long and two further similar. larger 4cm high (7).For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

PAIR OF DECORATIVE ORIENTAL CLAM SHELLS

A matched pair of George II and late George III oval sauce boats, by Elizabeth Godfrey, London 1749 and by William Burwash & Richard Sibley, London 1811, with leaf-capped double scroll handles, moulded rims with shells at intervals, lobed bodies and on shell pedestal bases, engraved with a crest, 19cm (7 1/2in) long, 1305g (41.95 oz) Property from the estate of the late Betty, Lady Grantchester.The crest possibly SHAW(E) of Lancashire. Having viewed bookplates for this family.See Glanville, Philippa and Jennifer Faulds Goldsborough, Women Silversmiths 1685-1845, Washington 1990, p. 92, pl. 69 for an almost identical pair of sauceboats by Godfrey. See also pl. 70 for her trade card featuring a very similar sauce boat.

An early Victorian silver hexafoil game serving dish and cover by John Samuel Hunt, London 1839, with a finial modelled as a pheasant on a tree stump and a hare lying on a grassy base, the cover ogee and panelled, W beneath a crown twice, the plate with a gadrooned rim with shells and scrolls, 3.3cm (12in) diameter, 2352g (75.65 oz) See Culme 8344-49 for the maker's mark.