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Click here to subscribeA GEORGE II SILVER SALVER, WILLIAM & ROBERT PEASTON, LONDON, 1758, shaped circular, later engraved with a crest flanked by an inscription surrounded by a flat-chased band of flowers, scrolls and diaper panels, the moulded rim below scrolls and shells, on three pad feet, 21cm diameter, 327gr The inscription reads: Vice Admiral James R. Dacres to Henry Duncan P. Cunningham, 29th January 1850.
‡ A PAIR OF BARR, FLIGHT & BARR (WORCESTER) CHOCOLATE CUPS, COVERS AND STANDS, CIRCA 1810, of tapered cylindrical form set with angular handles, each printed 'en grisaille' with shells against a ground scattered with gilt leaves, gilt line borders, impressed BFB and crown, 14.5cm high overall Provenance: a Swiss Private Collection of English Porcelain (Lots 44-76)
AN INDIAN COLONIAL SILVER TUREEN, LINER AND COVER HAMILTON & CO., CALCUTTA CIRCA 1825With a bud finial to the lobed domed cover, a gadrooned rim, the liner with a gadrooned rim, shells and foliage to the quarters, the base with twin turned wood handles, on four bold scroll and paw feet 30.5cm (12in) across handles 2791g (87.4 oz) grossCondition Report: Cover unmarked (a tureen by George Gordon & Co., Madras of a similar period also had an unmarked cover, lot 134, 08/12/2020, sale these rooms). One foot repaired, some rippling to silver beneath base. No dents, some scratches and nicks. Chip to one of the handles. The cover and liner fit well to the body. Body, liner and cover marked 2, suggesting that these are all original to each other. One handle slightly pushed into the bodyCondition Report Disclaimer
SEAMAN SCHEPPS, A PAIR OF SEA SHELL, MABÉ PEARL AND GOLD COLOURED EAR CLIPSThe nerita exuvia shells with collet set mabé pearl tips, the settings signed Seaman Schepps, stamped 750 with makers mark and numbered 15990, with clip fittingsSize/dimensions: 2.6cm longGross weight: 18.7 gramsCondition Report: The shell is from a sea snail, the clips are well sprung, some light wear commensurate with use, no major damage or repairsCondition Report Disclaimer
A PAIR OF GEORGE II CAST SILVER CANDLESTICKSWILLIAM GOULD, LONDON 1748The shaped square sconces with shells to the corners, turned and knopped stems to shaped square bases, engraved with a crest21cm (8 1/4in) high1108g (35.6 oz)It is likely that the crest is associated with the arms of the PENRICE family. There are several strands of the PENRICE family who use the same crest and these include the PENRICE families of: Witton House Norfolk, Kilvrough House Glamorgan, Plumstead Hall Norfolk and Hopland Hall Suffolk. The blazon of the crest: a wing elevated surmounting another argent, the former charged with two mullets of five points in pale gules Provenance: Sold at Woolley & Wallis, 28th June 2000, Lot 370 Condition Report: Marks to bases are clearSterling marks to the capitals partially obscuredSconces appear to be unmarkedCrests lightly rubbedOne slightly wobbles, the other goodPitting throughoutBoth are straightLight scratches and wear commensurate with age and useCondition Report Disclaimer
A CHINESE SILVER PIERCED CIRCULAR BOX AND COVERMARKS FOR DE JIN AND ZHENG YIN Pierced and embossed with fish, crabs, lobsters, eels and shells, the cover with a roundel for Longevity 22cm (8 1/2in) diameter1025g (32.95 oz)Condition Report: Marks to base slightly rubbedSlight gaps to the coverLight scratches and wear commensurate with age and useCondition Report Disclaimer
* Tank Corps. A WWI tank crew anti-splinter face mask belonging to Private Sidney James Morris, Tank Corps, the leather mask with latticed eyepieces, chain mail and leather ties, retaining some original face paddings, 15 cm long, affixed with Tank Corps cap badge, a scarce original piece QTY: (1)NOTE:Provenance: 201130 Private Sidney James Morris and then family descent.A copied newspaper cutting is included with the lot, titled 'Survivor of 1916 Tank Horror Dies ' ... Mr Sidney Morris a former bus driver and taxi owner, of 19 Dennis Road, Westham, Weymouth has died. He was in his 70s. In World War I, he drove one of the first tanks to go into action in France, and his tank was one of the first to be hit by a German armour-piercing shell in 1916. He was the only survivor of the tanks crew. He was wounded, and the shock of its incident caused him to lose his hair overnight. It grew again in time ...'Tank crew anti-splinter face masks were introduced during WWI to protect British tank drivers from shrapnel inside tanks when hit by enemy shells.
* Revolver. A late 19th-century Belgian 6-shot pinfire revolver, the 9cm octagonal, cylinder and casing line engraved, folding trigger and composite grips moulded with flowers and shells, side ramrod, part of one grip missing, overall length 19cm, together with a smaller Belgium 6-shot pinfire pistol with 4cm barrel, folding trigger and wooden grips, action working, overall length 14cm QTY: (2)
Nine pin cushions and emeries, comprising a woven wire urn form pin cushion, 5.5cms dia., a gilt metal circular 'Souvenir' example, another in gilt metal in the form of scallop shells, an oval floral painted olive wood example inscribed 'Aux les Bains', 6cms, a tortoiseshell example, 7.5cms, two mother of pearl disc form emeries, another housed in half a natural walnut and a leather pumpkin, 2.5cms dia. (9) From the collection of Enid Riley Part 4
Ten larger format pin cushions, comprising a large shamrock carved bog oak cauldron example, 10cms wide, three smaller bog oak examples, a turned ebony pedestal pin cushion, 7.5cms dia., an oval example decorated with shells and coloured print, 9.5cms, and four others. (10) From the collection of Enid Riley Part 4
A cardboard skein or ribbon box of rectangular form, circa 1810, the lift off lid with an oval watercolour of a rural cottage in gilt border, the two long sides brightly painted in watercolour with flowers and leaves, the ends painted with sea shells, gold foil corners, yellow paper lining, splits at corners to lid, 19.5 x 5.5 x 4.2cms. From a distinguished UK Private Collection
The Mafeking Mail, Special Siege Slip, issued daily, shells permitting, Monday, December 18th 1899. With articles to include 'Mafeking Garrison, General Orders, Local Defences and The Polo Tournament. Single page printed on one side. *CR: folded, wear to edges and slit to center. *BP 22.5% (18.75% plus VAT) plus a lot fee of £8 inc. VAT on each lot.
An unusual silver Battle of Jutland brooch in the form of a fouled anchor with a shield and Naval Crown 'H.M.S. Neptune, Jutland, Battle, May 31st 1916. Hallmarked for Birmingham 1917. 4 x 2.5cm. H.M.S. Neptune was similar to the Dreadnought class battleship, she fought with the 5th Division of the Grand Fleet at Jutland under Rear Admiral Gaunt. During the battle she fired 48 12" shells scoring several hits on SMS Lutzow. The Neptune suffered no casualties or damage. *CR: Toned. *BP 22.5% (18.75% plus VAT) plus a lot fee of £8 inc. VAT on each lot.
19th century sailor's valentine seashell mosaic in octagonal framed case with glass front. 35x34cm approx. (B.P. 21% + VAT) Some loose and damaged shells, especially around the edge. Some of the paper the shells are mounted on is also split/loose/damaged around the edge. The glass is ok. Frame is rustic, one split noticed to side and one to back.
Two 19th century glass bottles: one marked with label 'Done by an old sailor with rice paper' of flower heads and cross, date 1858. The other with wooden crosses, together with a pair of 19th century marriage horseshoes, cast iron with velvet mount and various multicoloured beadworks, together with a sailor's Valentine in the shape of an anchor, with wooden heart and shells. (5) (B.P. 21% + VAT)
A collection of seashells, to include two queen conch shells, one 29cm long, the other 26cm long (at fault), and a part abalone shell, 17cm wide (6)NOTE: Queen Conch shells are listed CITES Apx 11/Annex B and will require a Re-Export permit if sold/shipped outside of the UK. Trevanion will not be responsible for obtaining this license should it be required.
Full title: In the manner of Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1527-1593): A shells and coral figure on ebonised wood base with silver shell, possibly 17th/18th C.Description:H 24,2 cm (with base) The absence of a condition report does not imply that a lot is in perfect condition. Please contact us to let us know which lots are of interest, so we can make the requested reports for you.Once complete, they will be published on our website.High resolution pictures are already available on our website at www.coronariauctions.com. Further questions are always welcome at info@coronariauctions.com
A Louis XVIII sweetmeats dish with 12 spoonsFrance, Paris 1819-1838Resting on square stand of four claw feet with winged lion head finials and pierced palms gallery. Scroll handles of serpent heads decoration. The cover of beaded frieze to rim and lozenges on guilloche ground surmounted by foliage pommel on radiant base with acanthus, palms and fleurettes on a matte filed. With heraldic shield supported on two lions and motto "CHARITAS HERUM VIRTUS" surmounted by count's coronet.Crystal linerHallmarks: Elder, Paris warrantee, crab, master goldsmith Dominique GARREAU (goldsmith in Paris 1817)With 12 gilt spoons of foliage branches handles, lozenge, palms, oak leaf, shells, flowers and boat shaped bowl with medallion of roses garland on matte ground engraved with monogram ASHallmarks: Elder 1st grade, Paris Warrantee, master goldsmith(in excellent condition considering the age)Alt. : 29 cm1281 g(total)
A dish warmerFranceMaker Charles-Nicolas ODIOT, circular shaped silvered metal, with gadrooned frieze to rim and foliage handles, decorated with shells and acanthus and resting on 4 claw feet with palms and scrolls finialsOrnamented on both faces with marriage heraldic shield for the Vachon de Briançon family, Marquesses of Belmont surmounted by marquess coronet supported by two figures in coats of arms and swords surmounted by crowned ermine mantlingParis 1826-1838(in very good condition)The plate warmer herewith described, does not feature any stamp or maker's mark, but its provenance is secure. ODIOT did not systematically mark his silver plated pieces when these were part of an important set that included solid silver tableware.A vegetable dish and its warmer, of the same exact characteristics and engraved with identical heraldic, undoubtedly belonging to this same set, was sold in the HUBERT de GIVENCHY collection sale, at Christie's, in October 14, 2021 (lot 202). Another pair, belonging to the same set, was also sold by Sotheby's in Paris, in November 29, 2016 (lot 82).10x32x24 cm1810 g
A dish warmerFranceMaker Charles-Nicolas ODIOT, circular shaped silvered metal, with gadrooned frieze to rim and foliage handles, decorated with shells and acanthus and resting on 4 claw feet with palms and scrolls finialsOrnamented on both faces with marriage heraldic shield for the Vachon de Briançon family, Marquesses of Belmont surmounted by marquess coronet supported by two figures in coats of arms and swords surmounted by crowned ermine mantlingParis 1826-1838(in very good condition)The plate warmer herewith described, does not feature any stamp or maker's mark, but its provenance is secure. ODIOT did not systematically mark his silver plated pieces when these were part of an important set that included solid silver tableware.A vegetable dish and its warmer, of the same exact characteristics and engraved with identical heraldic, undoubtedly belonging to this same set, was sold in the HUBERT de GIVENCHY collection sale, at Christie's, in October 14, 2021 (lot 202). Another pair, belonging to the same set, was also sold by Sotheby's in Paris, in November 29, 2016 (lot 82).11x48x28 cm2904 g
Strawberry spoonFrance Silver plated by CHRISTOFLE in Paris, the vermilion spoon, engraved with scrolls, flowers and foliage, the violin spatula decorated with shells, flowers and scrolls Monogrammed MD in English letters. Marked Minerva 1st title, MO: CHRISTOFLE CC 3 stars and a bee (before 1935). In its original box at the Pavillon de Hanover. (good condition)Comp.: 21,7 cm 83 g
A pair of salt cellarsEnglish silverPar of shells resting on a finely chiselled shell shaped stand of engraved heraldic shield with spear holding armHallmarks: lion passant, crown, date letter P, master goldsmith Thomas BRADBURY & Sons, retailer S.D. NEILL LD in full, Sheffield 1907(in very good condition)9,5x 7,8x2,8 cm127 g
A pair of beakersFranceMaker Charles CHRISTOFLE à Paris, of foliage, shells and scrolls decorationReplica of a piece from the Hildesheim TreasureSilvered brassEngraved to base CHRISTOFLE & CIE, "Trésor d'Hildesheim, Fac-simile galvanique"Circa 1870(in good condition, minor dents, minor wear to plating)The Hildesheim Treasure was discovered by Prussian soldiers in 1868, and comprised 70 pieces of Roman goldsmithing dating from the 1st century CE. This exceptional discovery aroused considerable interest and curiosity, particularly amongst the Second Empire's elites, reason why Charles CHRISTOFLE, supplier to the Emperor, following from the treasure discovery, produced replicas of the most important pieces by the galvanoplasty technique, as per the fashion of replicating important historic objects, then very much in demand in the Imperial court.11,5x8,5 cm
A sugar tongsFrench gilt silverMaker Louis-Isidore ANGÉE, of violin shape with fillets, shells and palms decoration with claw gripsHallmarks: Minerva 1st grade, master goldsmith LIA with urn for L.I. AngéeLouis-Philippe period(in very good condition)Louis-Isidore ANGÉE, goldsmith based at 11 place Dauphine in Paris between 1834 and 1842Comp: 5,4 cm76 g
A goblet with shellsFrancePlain base of truncated cone shape with pierced and filleted decoration with shells to top section. Inner gildingHallmarks: Minerva 1st grade, master goldsmith EP and gaiter for Ernest PROST (Paris 1923-1963).In the original red and yellow case(in very good condition)Alt.: 7,5 cm83 g
A set of 10 Louis-Philippe tea spoonsFrench silverViolin shaped handles of scrolls, acanthus, shells and flower and foliage decorationHallmarks: Elder 1st grade, Paris warrantee, master goldsmith CW with English shield and two swords for Charles-Josses WALGRAVE. Paris 1835-1838(in very good condition)Comp.: 14 cm236 g
A set of 6 Louis XV starters forks and one ladleSilverHandles of rococo decoration with spirals, shells and foliage, the forks in gilt metal and the ladle in gilt and silvered metal engraved with scrolls, acanthus and flowersHallmarks: 800, swan, master silversmithForeign production. Circa 1900In its original case(handles in very good condition, sign of wear to forks)Comp.: 15,5 cm108 g
Dame Barbara Hepworth (British, 1903-1975)Forms in Space signed and dated 'Barbara Hepworth 1946' (lower right)pencil, gouache and crayon on gesso-prepared board23.5 x 28.9 cm. (9 1/4 x 11 3/8 in.)Footnotes:ProvenanceWith Piccadilly Gallery, London, April 1964, where acquired by E. SommerTheir sale; Christie's, London, 10 June 2005, lot 103, where acquired by the family of the present ownersPrivate Collection, U.K.The present work is catalogued as D 84 A in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné of Barbara Hepworth's paintings.The 1940s were the most prolific decade for Hepworth in terms of drawings, for having moved to Cornwall in 1939 with Ben Nicholson and their three triplets, she spent less time carving but made, in her words, 'innumerable drawings in gouache and pencil' (Barbara Hepworth quoted in Alan Wilkinson, The Drawings of Barbara Hepworth, Lund Humphries, Farnham and Burlington, 2015, p.59). Kept busy by the domestic necessities of their three children, the drawings were an important outlet for her creativity, as she wrote in a letter to E. H. Ramsden in 1943: 'If I didn't have to cook, wash-up, nurse children ad infinitum, I should carve, carve, carve. The proof of this is in my drawings. They are not just a way of amusing myself nor are they experimental probings – they are my sculptures born in the disguise of two dimensions.' (Ibid., p.69). Hepworth was indeed very productive in creating these abstract drawings during this period, a way of overcoming the historic difficulties of juggling motherhood with furthering her artistic career which were hampered yet further by the scarcity of food and materials during the Second World War, with rationing continuing in Britain until 1954. The present lot, created in 1946, stems from this challenging time. Determined and exceptionally hard-working, Hepworth would endeavour to work through illness or difficulty many times in her life, noting too the societal disadvantages that she often had to fight against as a sculptor: 'I am constantly plagued by this 'little woman' attitude'. Not only did these drawings allow her a creative outlet, but they also sold well, with examples bought by close friends who visited her in Carbis Bay, including C.S. Reddihough, Margaret Gardiner, John Wells, Alastair Morton and others. Indeed a letter detailing a visit from Jim Ede in 1944 shows just how desperate times could be: 'Jim was charming - so nice to the children & so refreshing to be with. He enjoyed all the work, the stones, the shells & crystals & he's lent us a delightful deep blue Miro which looks wonderful in the studio with the sculptures. He bought 3 little paintings of Bens & though he may not realise it completely saved our life - we were at bottom & could not pay either school bills or grocer!' (Barbara Hepworth quoted in Eleanor Clayton, Barbara Hepworth: Art & Life, Thames & Hudson, London, 2021, p.112). Hepworth's approach to these drawings was one of an exploration of ideas, but they were not works that she relied upon for the creation of a particular sculpture, in comparison to Moore's reliance on preparatory drawings. She noted that: 'These drawings I call 'drawings for sculpture'; but it is in a general sense – that is – out of the drawings springs a general influence. Only occasionally can I say that one particular drawing has later become one particular sculpture' (Barbara Hepworth, quoted in Alan Wilkinson, op. cit., p.59). Similarities and ideas stemming from this drawing can be seen however in sculptures such as Pendour, 1947 (Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC), and Pelagos, 1946 (Tate, London).The present lot, Forms in Space, has a crispness and definition which is particularly satisfying: a twist of pencil lines convey the tension of strings, tightly radiating out from a curved arc near the centre, which would have been drawn using a ruler and compass. The sculptural shape in the centre of the work emerges from a blue-grey background, flecked and varied, as though the rippling waves of an incoming tide, seen through a veil of mist. Smoothed onto the shapes of the form are shades of white, grey and blue, contrasted with bright areas of sky-blue and yellow. Always intimately connected to the natural world which surrounded her in Cornwall, the sculptures and related drawings of this time had a particularly poetic resonance for Hepworth: 'I used colour and strings in many of the carvings of this time. The colour in the concavities plunged me into the depth of water, caves, or shadows deeper than the carved concavities themselves. The strings were the tension I felt between myself and the sea, the wind or the hills'. (Ibid., p.71).The drawings of the 1940s were for Hepworth then an important outlet, a lifeline for her creative impulses and a vital source of income when domestic duties limited her ability to carve. Always in tune with the landscape around her, she deeply felt and absorbed the inspiration that came to her from the sky, waves, and land that rolled through and around the Cornish peninsula. Independent, finished art works in their own right, these drawings are a special testament to her resolute determination to work whatever the circumstances, and Forms in Space is an important example of this.We are grateful to Dr. Sophie Bowness for her kind assistance with the cataloguing apparatus for the present work.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ARAR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Nine 1920’s 1930’s Czechoslovakian pressed glass necklaces, the beads in shades of red, pink, yellow, brown, green and cream carved with moon faces, elephants, snail shells, masks, and pseudo Egyptian scarabs, spaced by carved spacer beads, lengths 45-100cm.Qty: 9Condition report:They are all in very good condition, with just some slight of loss of colour in places.
A pair of oak framed wall mirrors with carved mask head surmount and surround of shells and scrolls, 54cm x 35cm CONDITION REPORT: Condition information is not usually provided in the description of the lot but is available upon request; the absence of a condition report does not imply that a lot is without imperfection
A large modern Baroque wall mirror, the frame set with swags, shells and goblets, total size 112cm wide x 195cm high/Provenance: The Rookery, Middlesex/See Illustration CONDITION REPORT: The mirror is very marked and the gilding on the frame is rubbed, this is a modern decorative mirror, not an antique mirror
A George III mahogany framed upholstered sofa, in cream floral damask, the serpentine back with outscrolled arms, serpentine seat on cabriole legs headed by stylised shells, with five loose cushions, 221cm wide/see illustration CONDITION REPORT: Condition information is not usually provided in the description of the lot but is available upon request; the absence of a condition report does not imply that a lot is without imperfection
A collection of decorative shells,comprising three large conch shells, together with further small seashells and a piece of faded coral, plus two further painted and damaged conch shells,largest 42cm long (qty.)Provenance: The Jan Finch CollectionCondition ReportLargest shell with small losses to each end, the other two generally good.Conch shell measurements: 38, 37, 28, 42cm long.
A good Lenzkirch two train spring driven bracket clock, with ebonised case 5" arch brass dial with silvered chapter ringing shell & flower spandrels. Movement stamped Lenzkirch 52 No 895905. Ebonised case (restored) is decorated with brass shells, masks & flowers x 4 pineapple finials to top. Dimensions 16" x 9" x 6 (1/2)" Condition report: Restored condition, good condition with key and pendulum.
NINE BOXES OF ASSORTED SUNDRIES, to include a Miranda camera stand, a box of sea shells, a Coopers of Stortford record player with built in speakers, grey leather briefcase, men's leather belts and wallets, a box of artificial fruit, box of ties, playing cards, a globe, a Canon AF7 Sureshot camera, an Agfa video recorder, a boxed The Poti rally illuminated map magnifier, an unused porcelain bird feeder, a Route 66 Cri Ta Bear, a Walt Disney World 'Safari Minnie Mouse', etc (s.d) (9 boxes + loose)
MAUCHLINE WARE & SCOTTISH TREEN ITEMS, comprising two boxes, mystery box, pill box, pin cushion, and ruler, all decorated with ferns, shells or coloured transfers, the largest being 10.5cms wide; together with 'Memorial of Walter Scott' quaich made from wood from Abbotsford & Dryburgh Abbey, 9cms w; Melrose Abbey sewing case, 9cm; penwork snuffbox, 9cms w (9)Provenance:'The St John Perrott Stimson Collection of Treen & British Folk Art’ Please see This Autumn: Treen & British Folk Art — Rogers Jones Co (EN)Condition Report:ruler cracks to end, Melrose sewing case silk closure shattered, otherwise general light wear
AN EMOTIVE 1ST DAY OF THE SOMME CASUALTY DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL AWARDED TO CPL HALLS, RIFLE BRIGADE GV Distinguished Conduct Medal, correctly impressed '5093 Pte J.J. Halls. 1/ RIF:BDE:Condition GVFJames John Halls was born on 29th August 1895 in Saffron Walden, Essex.He was named after his father, who had been a Postman in Saffron Walden before enlisting in the 2nd Bn Norfolk Regiment. While serving in the Boer War, he died in Pretoria on 3rd December 1900. On 12th December, the Daily News London reported the cause as enteric fever.James's mother raised him and his four siblings on an army pension; by 1911, James was working as a Telegraph Boy, and the family resided at 2 & 3 Upper Square, Castle Street. James enlisted in the Regular Army in London before the start of the Great War.As a member of the 1st Bn Rifle Brigade, Halls was posted to France, arriving on 15th September 1914; he was slightly wounded to the foot in December.In May 1915, the battalion was on the Ypres Salient. Halls's company was in trenches next to an area called' Shell - Trap, which was later renamed 'Mousetrap'. On 13th May, the Germans started an intense bombardment in the hopes of taking complete control of the Frezenberg Ridge.Trenches were destroyed, and James was cut off with S/5032 Corporal Herbert Edward Sunnuck. The regimental history for the 13th May 1915 states;'Halls of B Company (and another corporal) were cut off from the company for nine hours by the destruction of our trenches. They had held out in their post and, by their accurate shooting, had defeated all attempts by the enemy to dig in on the right front'.Both men were awarded the DCM, and their citations were published in the London Gazette on 3rd August 1915. Halls is as follows; 'For conspicuous gallantry on 13th May, 1915, east of Ypres. When the end of his trench had been blown in, Private Halls remained on the spot with a Non-commissioned Officer under heavy fire for nine hours firing on the enemy.Corporal Sunnuck's citation was similar, as seen below;'For conspicuous gallantry on 13th May, 1915, East of Ypres. When the end of his trench had been blown in, Corporal Sunnuck, with another man, remained on the spot under heavy fire for nine hours, firing on the enemy and taking observations.'James wrote a letter home about the action. A copy of the letter was published in the Saffron Walden Historical Journal in a journal article by Robert Pike. ' We were in position with a farm on the right known as 'Shell-trap'. We were shelled heavily from dawn till 3 pm, receiving heavy losses, resulting in me and Corporal' Sonie' (Sunnuck), a Canadian, not killed or wounded. When the shelling stopped, the Germans started coming up. 'Sonie' and I crept up the trench and fired on them. Three times this happened. During the day, we lost 170 men'.At the time of the action, James was still only 19 years old. After being awarded the DCM, he wrote the following letter home, which was also published in the Saffron Walden Historical Journal, in a journal article by Robert Pike.'We are now back from the trenches for ten days rest, the first time we have been out of the sound of the guns during nine months I have been out here. This is Sunday, and quite a treat to hear the old French bells ringing in the village church, which is about half a mile away. Since I last wrote we have taken part in a charge and captured a length of German trenches and eighty prisoners. Last Sunday we had orders to attack the German trench in front of us, but I hadn’t the heart to write and let you know, and I am glad I didn’t now, as, thank God, I came out of it quite safe, all but a cut on the face with a small piece of shrapnel, but I scarcely felt that in the excitement. Our artillery started the bombardment at 5 o’clock on Tuesday morning and it only lasted an hour, but it was terrible, and at one minute past six we gave a yell, jumped out of our trenches and rushed towards the Germans. By five minutes past six there wasn’t a German in their first line trench, except prisoners who were begging for mercy, no doubt thinking we would shoot them straight away, as perhaps they deserved, but that is not our way. We made them work to build up the trench instead, which they were only too eager to do. We lost heavily, especially by bombs and grenades, but our shells must have done terrible work, for the Germans were lying in heaps blown to pieces, but I will not try to explain how horrible it was. I’d like to be able to forget. They left everything behind them, scores of rifles, helmets and equipment etc., and you ought to have seen our boys smoking their cigars, of which we found plenty. They shelled us pretty heavily during the day and tried hard to rush us out of it again, but we stuck it until we were relieved at night very tired and parched, but glad we had done what was wanted of us. They put some gas shells over during the night, the only way of revenge they can get, but it was no go. It was a sad roll call the morning after we were relieved, but it would have been a lot worse hadn’t it been for our artillery keeping them back and stopping them from massing. Don’t worry about sending me parcels as long as I can get a smoke nothing else matters. P.S. I know you will congratulate me, Mother, on having won the D.C.M for something I did in May. I shall probably get a furlough, so look out and cheer up'.James was promoted to Corporal after winning his DCM and was subsequently wounded, it was a 'blighty wound, and he spent a period of recovery in Folkestone.Tragically on his return, he was killed in action on 1st July 1916, the First day of the Battle of the Somme. His battalion, the 1st, was part of the 11th Brigade, 4th Division. Their objective was to attack The Redan Ridge; however, the Bn's advance was checked by fire from The Quadrilateral and from Ridge Redoubt. They managed to reach and enter the German Trenches, and James was sadly killed in the brutal close-quarters fighting. James was laid to rest in Sucrerie Military Cemetery, Colincamps. He was only 20 years old.
AN ASTONISHING WW2 NORTHWESTERN EUROPE MILITARY MEDAL to Pte Astrof or the Royal Canadian Medical Corps, who saved the lives of at least 199 men.GVI Military Medal, correctly impressed to D.76757 Pte A. Astrof. R.C.A.M.C With original investiture pin.Condition EFAllan Astrof was born in Canada in 1915, the son of William and Fanny Astrof; the family were Jewish and lived in Montreal, Quebec. He married Marion Macleod in 1937.During the Second World War, he served with the 18th Canadian Field Ambulance, Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. He will have likely served in Sicily and Italy with the unit. Just after D-Day, he was attached to the Royal Highlanders of Canada (Black Watch).On the 20th of January 1945, Astrof was put forward for the Distinguished Conduct Medal for almost unbelievable courage. The DCM was not approved, and he was awarded the Military Medal, confirmed on the 30th of January 1945 and gazetted on the 12th of July 1945. The original citation is as follows;'Since the 10th of July. 1944 private Astrof has served as an orderly on a light ambulance car attached to the Regimental Aid Post of the Royal Highlanders of Canada. He has not missed a single action in which this battalion took part. In all these actions, his bravery, initiative, devotion to duty and total disregard for his own personal safety have made him an outstanding example for all to emulate. On one occasion, his battalion was surrounded in a town which was continually under enemy shell, mortar and small arms fire, and suffered many casualties. Although he was urged to remain undercover, he made repeated trips to company positions to collect wounded soldiers. He worked tirelessly for 14 hours and rescued 75 men, many of whom would have died but for his intervention. Again at GRAND MILBRUG HE, early in September 1944, his battalion suffered heavy casualties from continuous enemy shell fire. For six consecutive days and nights, he refused relief and worked almost unceasingly in the evacuation of casualties. He brought more than 120 wounded men to safety. On one occasion, when an ammunition lorry was set alight by enemy fire, he rescued the wounded driver and put out the fire single-handed, incurring the greatest risks from exploding rounds. On another occasion, when his ambulance had been knocked out by enemy fire, he carried his charges to shelter and then proceeded to fill and pile sandbags for their protection while heavy shells burst all around him. When one of his drivers became exhausted and refused to go forward because of the heavy shelling, he drove the car himself and carried on his brave work. Many of the men owe their lives to his determination and courage, and his coolness under heavy fire has been a byword among the troops he supported so valiantly'.He survived the war and returned to Montreal, and raised a family. He became ill in 1965 and bravely fought his illness until he passed away on the 19th of November, 1977. Allan was laid to rest in Montreal Memorial Park.
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