We found 155248 price guide item(s) matching your search

THE SOUND OF MUSIC, 8x10 photo signed by ALL SEVEN of the children who starred in this magical movie Angela Cartwright, Heather Menzies, Duane Chase, Debbie Turner, Kym Karath, Charmian Carr and Nicholas Hammond. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

MR BENN, 8x10 photo signed by Ray Brooks who was the narrator of this wonderful Childrens TV series. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

NASA APOLLO, 6x4 inch photo signed by NASA Mission Controller Gene Kranz who was in charge of pretty much all of the Apollo flights. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

1966 WORLD CUP, 6x4 inch photo signed by 1966 World Cup Final TV commentator the late Kenneth Wolstenholme who has added his immortal line They think its all over, it is now. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

HAMMOND INNES, 5x4 inch photo signed by the late Hammond Innes who wrote over 30 novels many of which were turned into films. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

HAMMOND INNES, Typed letter on headed notepaper signed by the late Hammond Innes who wrote over 30 novels many of which were turned into films. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

SHIRLEY BASSEY, 7x5 inch photo signed by legendary welsh singer, Shirley Bassey who sang the Bond theme for Goldfinger. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

THE WHO, 6x4 inch photo signed by The Who musician Pete Townsend. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

RMS TITANIC, First day cover signed by Dr Robert Ballard, the oceanographer who located and then explored the wreck of Titanic. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

JAMES BOND COLLECTION, Set of three 6x4 inch photos and cards with the signatures of Roger Moore, Topol and Desmond Llewellyn who has hand written a note on his card stating his favourite was From Russia With Love. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

HMS HOOD, 8x10 inch photo hand signed by the late Ted Briggs, who at the time of signing was the last living of only three men to survive the sinking of HMS Hood by the German battleship Bismarck. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

JAMES BOND, 14x11 inch photo signed by SEVEN actors and actresses who have starred in Bond films. Sir Roger Moore 007 James Bond and George Lazenby 007 James Bond as swell as Carole Ashby Octopussy, A View to a Kill, Lana Wood Diamonds are Forever, The late Burt Kwouk Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice, Sylvana Henriques OHMSS and former Miss World Mary Stavin Octopussy, A View to a Kill. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

JAMES BOND, Hardback 1st Edition book signed by actress Nikki Van Der Zyl who voiced was used in almost all the Bond films to replace those of most of the Bond girls, she also sang the calypso song in Dr No, her book is very interesting and provides a wonderful insight into almost all of the classic Bond movie era. Only very few were printed as this was self-published. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

Helen Hayes signed vintage postcard photo. October 10, 1900, March 17, 1993 was an American actress whose career spanned almost 80 years. She eventually garnered the nickname First Lady of American Theatre and was one of 12 people who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony Award an EGOT. Hayes also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Americas highest civilian honour, from President Ronald Reagan in 1986. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

Lloyd Bridges signed white 6x4 card. January 15, 1913, March 10, 1998 was an American film, stage and television actor who starred in a number of television series and appeared in more than 150 feature films. He was the father of actors Beau Bridges and Jeff Bridges. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

Conrad Veidt signature piece. 22 January 1893, 3 April 1943 was a German actor best remembered for his roles in films such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari 1920, The Man Who Laughs 1928, and, after being forced to migrate to Britain by the rise of Nazism in Germany, his English-speaking roles in The Thief of Bagdad 1940, and, in Hollywood, Casablanca 1942, in which he appeared as Major Strasser. After a successful career in German silent film, where he was one of the best-paid stars of Ufa, he left Germany in 1933 with his new Jewish wife after the Nazis came to power. They settled in Britain, where he participated in a number of films before emigrating to the United States around 1941. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

Paul Scofield signed 10x8 black and white photo. 21 January 1922, 19 March 2008 was an English actor of stage and screen who was known for his striking presence, distinctive voice, and for the clarity and effortless intensity of his delivery. Regarded as one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of all time, Scofield preferred the stage over film. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

Francoise Arnoul signed sepia postcard photo. French actress, who achieved popularity during the 1950s. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

Spencer Perceval and Vicary Gibbs signed document extract. Spencer Perceval, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, was shot and killed in the lobby of the House of Commons in London, at about 5, 15 pm on Monday 11 May 1812. Vicary Gibbs was the attorney general who requested the earliest possible trial date. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

Arlene Dahl signed 10x8 colour photo. Mounted and dedicated. American actress and former Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer contract star, who achieved notability during the 1950s. She has three children, the eldest of whom is actor Lorenzo Lamas. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95. We can ship a 30kg box in UK next day delivery insured up to £100 for £10 which will combine most multiple orders.

78s - Excellent collection of 47 x 10" 78RPM recordings including some classic R&R and Skiffle! Artists/titles include Elvis Presley (x22) inc. Paralyzed (POP 378), Rip It Up (POP 305), Hound Dog (POP 249), Love Me Tender (POP 253), Blue Moon (POP 272), Blue Suede Shoes (POP 213), Heartbreak Hotel (POP 182) and Lawdy, Miss Clawdy (POP 408), Buddy Holly/The Crickets inc. Peggy Sue (Q 72293), Not Fade Way (Q 72298), I'm Lookin' For Someone To Love (Q 72279), Maybe Baby (Q 72307) and It Doesn't Matter Anymore, Gene Vincent - Race With The Devil (CL 14628) and Who Slapped John (CL 14637), The Vipers Skiffle Group (R 4261) and Bill Haley And The Comets. Condition can sometimes vary, but there will be many titles grading between V and E with many of the Elvis 78s in original HMV company sleeves.

PROG/CLASSIC ROCK - Very smart indeed selection of 7 x classic LPs. Titles are Beggars Opera - Pathfinder (6360 073 UK original - Ex+ very clean with only a couple of extremely light and wispy markings/VG+ '6 part' sleeve with some light wear to the 'spine'), Black Sabbath - S/T (spaceship RE VO6 847 903 VTY - VG+/Ex) and Paranoid (UK small swirl 6360 011 - Ex+/VG+), The Who - Who's Next (2408 102 with Headhunters inner - Ex+/VG+) and Queen (x3 UK originals) - A Day At The Races (EMTC 104 w/printed inner - VG+ copy), A Night At The Opera (EMTC 103 w/printed inner - VG+/Ex) and Live Killers (EMC 3301 - a VG+ copy with printed inners).

CDs - (PROMOS) - Unique collection of several hundred CDs, albums and singles, that are mainly promos and were obtained by the vendor who was manager of The Charlatans. With releases from the likes of The Verve, The Veils, Magnet, Whale, Eels - Daisies For The Galaxy, Dark Star, St Germain, The Beatles, Air, Robbie Williams, Fatboy Slim, Fierce and more. Please note condition can vary.

POP 12" - Another wicked collection of around 125 x choice 12" releases including many original DJ promos. Expect artists such as Madonna, U2, Tears For Fears, Soft Cell, Style Council, The Icicle Works, The Motors, Jean Michel Jarre, Canned Heat, ZZ Top, Cream, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Robert Plant, The Associates, Aztec Camera, The B-52's, Billy Idol, Orange Juice, Michael Jackson, Gary Numan, David Bowie, Lloyd Cole, Hipsway, The Pretenders, Faith No More, FYC, A Flock Of Seagulls, Heaven 17, Human League, Stray Cats, The Waterboys, Art Of Noise, Animal Nightlife and Kylie. Condition is generally VG+ to Ex+.

7" ROCK & POP - Diverse collection of over 150 x 45s. Highlights include The Upsetters - Dry Acid (PH 19 - G but should still play fine), The Wonder Who - Don't Think Twice, It's All Right (BF 1440 - Ex), Animals - In The Beginning There Was... (DGE 8643 EP), Thunderbirds - Introducing Mini Album (MA 103) and The Rolling Stones - Got Live If You Want It! (DFE 8620). Condition varies.

Crimea, 1854-56, 3 clasps, Alma, Inkermann, Sebastopol (Capt R. L. Lye. 20th Regt.), officially impressed, lightly polished with hairlines, reverse edge bump, very fine to good very fine. Captain Richard Leigh Lye (d.1855) was born c. 1820, the son of Dr John Bleeck Lye, a notable Doctor of Medicine in Hereford, and nephew to Captain Benjamin Leigh Lye, 11th Light Dragoons, of Bath. He joined the 20th (East Devonshire) Foot as an Ensign on 3 November 1837. He was then promoted to Lieutenant (by purchase) on 9 August 1839, and then to Captain (again by purchase) on 30 December 1845. His service saw him travel to Bermuda in November 1841, and then to Quebec on 21 September 1847, before returning to England in June 1853. At the outbreak of war, he was present with his regiment in the Crimea, taking part in the battles of Alma, Inkermann, and Sebastopol. At Inkermann in particular, the 20th took part in vicious hand to hand fighting, and made a gallant bayonet charge against the opposing Russian forces. During the Siege of Sebastopol, Captain Lye, at age 33, was one of a great many officers and men who died as a result of the ravages of disease (often Cholera) and exposure: ‘10th ult., (died) in the camp before Sebastopol, Capt. Richard Leigh Lye, of the 20th Regiment of Foot, only son of Dr. Bleeck Lye, of Hereford, and nephew Capt. Leigh Lye, of Bath. This promising officer, after gallantly leading his company in the thickest of the fight at Inkermann, has since sunk, worn down by fatigue and exposure. He was much esteemed and beloved by his brother officers for his worth and friendship in the days of peace, and for his true bravery and courage in the hour of danger.’ (Salisbury and Winchester Journal, 6 January 1855, © The British Library Board). A monument to Captain Lye was raised in his honour at the officers’ graveyard at Cathcart Hill.

An Intriguing Original Defender’s Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Acting-Sergeant John Bonnetta, 32nd Light Infantry, of Truro, Cornwall, who apparently served as one of four superintendents of the mining party during the Defence of Lucknow, and was named and given an unofficial mention for ‘important services’ in the written report made by Captain Crommelin, Chief Engineer. Another of the four superintendents was none other than William Dowling, 32nd Foot, who received a Victoria Cross for spiking the enemy guns, comprising: Indian Mutiny, 1857-59, single clasp, Defence of Lucknow (J. Bonnetta, 32nd L.I.); suspension at some stage crudely refitted, polished, with minor edge bruises, good fine. Private John Bonnetta was born c.1831 in Ladosk, Truro, Cornwall, and worked as a Labourer, whilst also having two years’ experience with the Royal Cornwall Rangers Regt of Militia before his attestation for Army service on 4 December 1854. Joining the 32nd (Duke of Cornwall’s) Light Infantry, he served in India and was present during the famous Defence of Lucknow as one of the ‘original defenders’ of the Residency. Frustrated in their attempts to take the Residency by force, the enemy attempted to breach the walls by mining, but failed in their attempt to undermine the Redan. In response, and given the number of Cornishmen in the 32nd Foot, a number of original defenders with mining experience (amongst whom, we will later learn, Bonnetta was one) were drafted in to take counter-measures. These resulted in the successful destruction of two nearby buildings, one of which had housed a particular enemy sharpshooter who had caused multiple casualties amongst the defenders. This mining party also launched several aggressive sorties, which led to the spiking of a number of troublesome enemy guns, one of which was led by William Dowling, 32nd Foot, who was later awarded the Victoria Cross. At the end of the siege, Captain Crommelin, the Chief Engineer, wrote a report to the Governor-General in which he commented: ‘I cannot close this report without noticing in the most favourable manner, the important services performed by the undermentioned soldiers, as superintendents of the miners – A/Sergeants Cullimore, Banetta [sic], and Farrer, and Corporal Dowling, all of the 32nd Regiment.’ (as mentioned in the Journal of the Victoria Cross Society, October 2012, pg.12). Despite the typographic error, it appears beyond reasonable doubt that the ‘Banetta’ mentioned is the same ‘Bonnetta’ as correctly impressed on the above medal, given the absence of any other comparable names amongst the ranks of the 32nd Foot. It is also worthy of note that he was at that time a superintendent, serving with the acting rank of Sergeant in this interesting and strategically significant mining party. Owing to his gradual loss of the use of several fingers of his hand, he served for a time with the Army Hospital Corps between 1 March 1860 and 30 April 1862, before rejoining the 32nd, and then being finally discharged to pension on 28 October 1873.

A 1914 Ypres Casualty Pair awarded to Shoeing-Smith James William Wood, ‘57’ Battery, 45th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, who died of wounds received in action on 2 November 1914, comprising: British War and Victory Medals (54819 Dvr. J. W. Wood. R.A.); Pair loose, without ribbons, toned, about extremely fine (2). Shoeing-Smith James William Wood, of Leytonstone, Essex, died of wounds received in action on 2 November 1914, and is buried at the Ypres Town Cemetery Extension, Belgium. He is entitled to an additional 1914 Star and Memorial Plaque to complete his group.

China, Order of the Double Dragon, Intermediate type (late 19th Century), a good Russian-made Second Class Second Grade breast star, in silver, silver-gilt and enamels, with central engraved coral and separately-applied dragons, by Feodor Rückert, St Petersburg, marked ÔÐ on backplate and with kokoshniks of pre-1899 type, wdth 91mm, good very fine. Feodor Rückert, who was of German origin, joined Carl Fabergé in 1887 and became a highly-regarded Fabergé workmaster.

A Great War ‘Second Ypres’ Casualty Trio & Memorial Plaque awarded to Lance-Corporal Herbert Redfern, 2nd Battalion King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, who died of wounds received at the Battle of Frezenburg Ridge on 8 May 1915, where his battalion suffered appalling losses but held its position, losing 914 men killed, wounded or missing. This was reportedly the heaviest single day of casualties ever suffered by the regiment, comprising: 1914-15 Star (11036 L.Cpl H. Redfern. R. Lanc: R.); British War & Victory Medals (11036 Pte. H. Redfern. R. Lanc. R.); Memorial Plaque (Herbert Redfern); Group loose, scrape to reverse of star, otherwise very fine or better (4). Lance-Corporal Herbert Redfern, son of Isaac and Mary Ellen Redfern, of 13 Walter Street, Manchester, was killed in action on 8 May 1915, and is remembered at the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium.

A Great War Casualty Trio & Memorial Plaque awarded to Private William Chisnall, 6th (Princess Victoria’s) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers, who died of wounds in Egypt on 17 October 1915,having served in Gallipoli, comprising: 1914-15 Star (17089, Pte. W. Chisnall, R. Ir. Fus.); British War & Victory Medals (17089 Pte. W. Chisnall. R. Ir. Fus.); Memorial Plaque (William Chisnall); Group loose, about extremely fine (4). Private William Chisnall, son of William and Elizabeth Chisnall (sometimes spelt Chisnell), of 159 Higher Road, Urmston, Manchester, died of wounds received in Egypt on 17 October 1915, and is remembered at the Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Cemetery.

A ‘First Day of the Somme’ Casualty Trio awarded to Private Percy William Norman, 10th Battalion Essex Regiment, who died of wounds received in action on 1 July 1916 at Carnoy, near Albert, comprising: 1914-15 Star (17797 Pte P. Norman. Essex R.); British War & Victory Medals (17797 Pte. P. Norman. Essex R.); Group loose, about extremely fine (3. ) Private Percy William Norman, son of Walter and Thurza Frost, of Bramerton, Norwich, was killed in action on 1 July 1916 – the first day of the Somme. He is buried at La Neuville British Cemetery, Corbie, France.

A Great War Officer’s Casualty Trio and Plaque awarded to Lieutenant Hugh Stewart Latimer Jordan, who first joined the Honourable Artillery Company before being commissioned as an officer in the Royal Artillery. He was soon after attached to the Royal Flying Corps Wireless and Observers’ School, being tragically killed alongside his pilot during an accident while flying a biplane (RE 8 A3672) on 20 August 1917 at Brooklands, Surrey, comprising: 1914-15 Star (5680 Gnr. H. S. L. Jordan. H.A.C. (Art.)); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. H.S.L. Jordan.); Memorial Plaque (Hugh Stewart Latimer Jordan); Medals with original boxes, ribbons and O.H.M.S. envelope addressed to ‘1 Napier Villas, Napier Road, Wembley’, medals practically as struck, memorial plaque polished, about very fine (4). The Times Newspaper of 23 August, 1917 covered the Coroner’s inquest of the aforementioned air accident: “The west Surrey Coroner held an inquest at Addlestone yesterday on the bodies of Lieutenant Hugh Stewart Latimer Jordan, R.F.C., and Sergeant E. Handley, R.F.C., who were killed on Monday morning in the fall of an Army biplane in a meadow near Woodham Grange, Addlestone, Describing the accident, John Hoare, a gardener at Woodham Grange, said that about 10 o’clock on Monday morning he saw two machines in the air one above the other. Suddenly there were two explosions, and the lower machine came straight down for some distance, when it straightened out and the right wing folded back on to the body of the machine. It next took a horizontal course for some distance with one plane, which also suddenly folded back. The machine then pitched over some trees into a field. The witness ran across and found Lieutenant Jordan and Sergeant Handley under the engine dead. Evidence was given that the machine was in perfect order when it went up from Brooklands Aerodrome.” Flight Commander Cecil Faber said that Sergeant Handley was acting as pilot and was instructing Lieutenant Jordan as an observer. An officer said he saw the machine come down with a spinning dive from 3,000ft. A verdict was returned in each case of ‘Death from misadventure.’

A Great War Trio & Memorial Plaque awarded to Private John Henry Smith, 17th Battalion (Glamorgan Bantams) Welsh Regiment, who was killed in action on 25 November 1917 – the last day of the 40th Division’s offensive to take Bourlon Wood – the ‘Butchery at Bourlon’, after which the Battalion ‘ceased to exist’ comprising: 1914-15 Star (14226 Pte J. H. Smith. Welsh. R.); British War and Victory Medals (14226 Pte. J. H. Smith. Welsh R.); Memorial Plaque (John Henry Smith); Old cabinet tone, good extremely fine (4). Private John Henry Smith, of 156 Broadway, Cardiff, Wales, was killed in action whilst serving with the 17th Battalion ‘Glamorgan Bantams’ – this one of the new ‘Pals’ regiment created during WWI. He was killed on 25 November 1917, which was the final day of the attack upon Bourlon Wood. Fighting as part of the 40th Division, and in support of newly unleashed tanks, the three day attack was successful, but resulted in ‘the appalling figure of over 4,000 casualties (after which they) symbolically took the acorn as their divisional sign after their ordeal’. The battalion was later that day considered to have ‘ceased to exist’ and the few survivors were absorbed elsewhere. The 17th Welsh Regiment lost 18 Officers and 301 other ranks, earning 8 Military Crosses, 4 D.C.M.s, and 15 M.M.s. Private Smith’s name is recorded on the Cambrai Memorial, France, and he was mentioned in various local newspapers with a small portrait photo.

The Great War Trio awarded to Lieutenant-Commander Ralph Michael Mack, Royal Navy, who was killed in action whilst in command of H.M.S. Tornado, when his ship was struck by a mine on 23 December 1917 off the Dutch coast, comprising: 1914-15 Star, with rosette (Lt. Commr. R. M. Mack, R. N.); British War and Victory Medals (Lt. Commr. R. M. Mack. R. N.); Group loose, each medal with brooch pin to reverse with original ribbons, minor correction to first initial on BWM, about extremely fine (3). Lieutenant-Commander Ralph Michael Mack (1883-1917) trained as a Naval Cadet at Britannia Naval College, passing out successfully on 15 May 1900. He served as a Midshipman aboard H.M.S. Theseus before being promoted to Lieutenant on 31 December 1905, upon which he spent a year and a half aboard the Albion on the China Station. After further time aboard other vessels, he was given command of H.M.S. Swale in the Fifth Destroyer Flotilla on 20 May 1912. After an unhappy time aboard Swale, he was placed in command of the Destroyer Stour in February 1913, being promoted to Lieutenant-Commander on 31 December 1913, and later taking command of the newly built destroyer Lucifer. After 2 years’ service aboard Lucifer he was placed in command of the Destroyer H.M.S. Phoebe, for which he was later mentioned in despatches for having ‘served continuously throughout the war and distinguished himself on many occasions with the Harwich Force’. In November 1917 he took command of another Destroyer, H.M.S. Tornado which later ran into a German minefield near Maas whilst en route to Holland with several other British ships (Surprise, Torrent and Radiant) on 23 December 1917. Attempting to provide assistance to the Torrent, which had struck mines, the Tornado also was struck – this time by two mines – sinking quickly off the Dutch coast. Seventy-five men perished, including Lieutenant-Commander Mack, with only two men rescued. A similar fate also befell the Surprise, causing total casualties of 12 officers and 240 other ranks killed by mines on this occasion.

A Great War Officer’s Trio & Memorial Plaque awarded to Captain John Eric Shennan, South African Service Corps, who died of Malaria on 25 November 1918 at Johannesburg, South Africa, having served in the campaigns in German South West Africa and German East Africa, comprising: 1914-15 Star (Lt. J. E. Shennan S.A.S.C.); British War & Victory Medals (Capt. J. E. Shennan.); Memorial Plaque (John Eric Shennan); Group loose, lightly toned, extremely fine (4). Captain John Eric Shennan was born on 21 July 1887 at Edinburgh, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. James William Shennan, of Hermitage, Warden Crescent, Edinburgh, Scotland – the father a Master of the Edinburgh Merchant Company. He was educated at Edinburgh University, reading Law and forming part of the University’s 1st XI. He later became a Chartered Accountant in 1912, and appears to have moved to South Africa, becoming part of the South African Defence Force. He joined the Army Service Corps as a Second Lieutenant in November 1914, being promoted to Captain in 1917, and serving in German South West Africa and German East Africa. He died from malaria on 25 November 1918 at Johannesburg. He is buried in the Johannesburg (Brixton) Cemetery. Offered with copied service papers.

A Great War Gallipoli Casualty Pair awarded to Corporal William Ernest Miller,of ‘D’ Company, 2nd Battalion Australian Infantry Force, who died of wounds on 9 August 1915, during the Battle of Lone Pine, comprising: British War & Victory Medals (436 Cpl. W. E. Miller. 2-Bn. A.I.F.); Pair loose, lightly toned, good very fine (2). Corporal William Ernest Miller was born c. 1886 in Ponders End, Middlesex, and was living and working at the Railway Construction Work in Yass, New South Wales before the Great War. He enlisted for service in WWI on 18 August 1914, joining the 2nd Battalion. He fought at Gallipoli, and died of wounds received in action during the Battle of Lone Pine on 9 August 1915. He was buried at sea, presumably having been evacuated to a hospital ship, and is remembered on the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli. He is entitled to an additional 1914-15 Star.

A Great War Pair and Plaque awarded to Private John Edward Warren, 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles (Central Ontario Regiment), who was killed in action on 2 June 1916 during the Battle of Mount Sorrel – where 4 huge German mines were exploded beneath their position in addition to an artillery barrage, and only 76 of the 402 men of the 4th C.M.R. avoided being taken casualty, comprising: British War & Victory Medals (113621 Pte. J. Warren. C.M.R.); Memorial Plaque (John Warren); Group loose, uneven tone, extremely fine (3). Private John Warren was born 27 April 1893 in Poplar, London, and had worked as a Farmer in early life. He enlisted for Great War service at Ottawa, Ontario, on 29 July 1915, and served initially with the 8th Battalion C.M.R., before joining the 4th Battalion Canadian Mounted Rifles on 29 January 1916 for service in France and Flanders. He was present during the Battle of Mount Sorrel, and after initially being reported missing, he was confirmed as being killed in action on 2 June 1916. An online source records that: ‘On the morning of June 2, 1916 a furious bombardment was unleashed against the Canadian positions, and simultaneously four huge mines were exploded under Mount Sorrel. Trenches and their defenders vanished, and those who survived offered virtually no resistance to the German infantry as they attacked. Of 702 men in the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles, only 76 survived unwounded.’ He is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres.

A Great War ‘First Day of the Somme’ ‘Manchester Pals’ Casualty Pair awarded to Private Richard William Viggers, 17th (Service) Battalion, Manchester Regiment (2nd City Pals), who was killed in action on 1 July 1916 during the Battalion’s attack upon Montauban, where despite advancing as instructed at a slow walk, they captured the village despite heavy casualties. This was one of only a handful of successes achieved on the day, comprising: British War and Victory Medals (26435 Pte. R. W. Viggers. Manch. R.); Toned, about extremely fine (2). Private Richard William Viggers, was born in Audlem, Cheshire, the son of Alfred and Mary Ann of Stocktons Cottage, Newhall, Cheshire. He served with the 17th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, and was present during their attack upon the village of Montauban on the First Day of the Somme on 1 July 1916. Private Viggers was killed during this offensive, which resulted in the successful capture of Montauban village - as they advanced ‘in perfect order at a slow walk’ behind the creeping barrage in the face of enemy machine guns. The first 48 hours of the capture of Montauban cost the 17th Manchesters 8 officers and 350 men, from the 900 who had gone over the top. Private Viggers’s name is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial.

A Great War Somme Casualty Pair and Memorial Plaque awarded to Private Frederick Thomas Wakeman, 16th (Service) Battalion (2nd Birkenhead), Cheshire Regiment (Bantams), who was killed in action on 21 August 1916, comprising: British War & Victory Medals (29564 Pte. F. T. Wakeman. Ches. R.); Memorial Plaque (Frederick Thomas Wakeman); Pair swing-mounted mounted on card, good extremely fine (3). Private Frederick Thomas Wakeman, of Birmingham, England, died of wounds received in action on 21 August, 1916, and is buried at the Carnoy Military Cemetery, Somme, France.

A Great War Passchendaele V.C. Action Pair and Memorial Plaque awarded to Private George Brightwell, 11th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, who was killed in action at Malakhoff Farm, Hargicourt, on 26 August 1917. On the same date, and at the same location, Private Sidney Day, also of the 11th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, earned his Victoria Cross, comprising: British War & Victory Medals (23741 Pte. G. Brightwell. Suff. R.); Memorial Plaque (George Brightwell); Pair loose, toned, light scuffs, about extremely fine (3). Private Edwin George Brightwell (known always as George) was born c.1894, the son of Mrs Agnes Sharp, of Grovener [sic] yard, High Street, Newmarket. Joining the Suffolk Regiment for Great War service, he served with several battalions of the regiment, finally serving with the 11th Battalion at the time of his death on 26 August 1917. Given his battalion, and the date and place of his death at Hargicourt, it would appear that he was present during the brutal trench fighting at Malakhoff Farm. In turn, he was therefore was amongst the same group of soldiers as Sidney Day when he earned his V.C. by swiftly picking up and returning a live German stick grenade (or bomb), saving the lives of several comrades in his trench. Private Brightwell is remembered at the Hargicourt Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

A Great War Cambrai Casualty Pair awarded to Private Frank Wheeler Kimbell, 2/5th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, late Tank Corps and 2nd Battalion County of London Yeomanry, who was killed in action on 27 November 1917, comprising: British War & Victory Medals (2819 Pte. F. W. Kimbell. 2-Co. Of Lond. Y.); Pair loose, good very fine (2). Private Frank Wheeler Kimbell, the son of Robert and Hettie Kimbell, of 14 Carlton Road, Manor Park, Essex, was killed in action on 27 November 1917, and is remembered at the Cambrai Memorial, Louerval, Nord, France. He had initially seen service with the 2nd County of London Yeomanry, as well as short periods with the Tank Corps and Machine Gun Corps, prior to joining the York and Lancaster Regiment.

An Attractively Cased Great War Pair and Plaque awarded to Private Ernest Spencer, 2nd Battalion Dragoon Guards (Queen’s Bays), late 3rd Dragoon Guards (Prince of Wales’s) who died on 17 January 1919, comprising: British War & Victory Medals (GS-13352 Pte. E. Spencer, 3-D.Gds.); Memorial Plaque (Ernest Spencer); In fitted case, possibly contemporary, a few small marks, otherwise good very fine (3). Private Ernest Spencer is buried at the Salford (St Mary) Churchyard, Manchester.

An Extremely Rare ‘Husband and Wife’ Set of two ‘matched’ Great War Pairs awarded to Reverend Harold Robert Parnell Tringham, Royal Army Chaplain’s Department, and to the lady who would become his wife either during or very soon after the war, Nurse Hester Elizabeth Erskine Cran, V.A.D., comprising: British War and Victory Medals (Rev. H. R. P. Tringham); and: British War and Victory Medals (H. E. E. Cran. V.A.D.); the first pair loose, the second swing mounted on bar with matching miniatures, also offered with possibly related WW2 Defence Medal and Special Constabulary Long Service Pair to Joseph Sherwood, with O.H.M.S. box of issue; generally toned, about extremely fine. Reverend Harold Robert Parnell Tringham (c. 1875-1964) was born in Godalming Surrey, the son of Reverend William Tringham. Educated at Portsmouth Grammar School and Clare College, Cambridge, he was ordained as a Deacon in 1899, and Priest in 1900, during which time he served as Assistant Missioner of Clare College Mission, Rotherhithe, between 1899 and 1905, and then as Vicar of St Jude’s, Peckham during the War. At the same time, he joined up to serve in the Great War as a Chaplain to the Forces 4th Class. During his time in France, he appears to have met a certain Nurse Hester Elizabeth Erskine Cran, V.A.D., the daughter of Doctor George Cran, also serving in France with the V.A.D., and as medical officer to the 7th Bn Gordon Highlanders. Nurse Cran served at the V.A.D. Auxiliary and Military Hospitals between 1914 and 1916, and later serving in the British Red Cross Society Hospitals at Wimereux, Calais and Le Treport between 1916 and 1918. During this time Nurse Cran and Reverend Tringham met, and were married soon after, likely in France, with their first son Robert born in 1920. (7)

A Great War and World War 2 Group of 3 awarded to Corporal Arthur W. Jervis, 13th (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Kensington), who later served with the Rifle Brigade , comprising: British War and Victory Medals (491786 Cpl. A. W. Jervis. 13th. Lond. R.); Defence Medal; group swing mounted on bar with reverse brooch pin, with matching set of miniatures, toned, good very fine; and: WW2 and Special Constabulary Group of 3 awarded to Constable Frederick Crust, late 13th (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Kensington), comprising: Defence Medal, Coronation 1953; Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (Const. Frederick Crust); group swing mounted on bar with reverse brooch pin, with matching set of miniatures, and two small prize medals (10)

The Highly Important Great War and Fall of Hong Kong P.O.W. Group of 11 to Sir Mark Aitchison Young G.C.M.G., the 21st Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Hong Kong. Governor Young was finally advised by Major-General Christopher Maltby to sign Hong Kong’s surrender and capitulation, going in person to surrender at the Peninsula Hotel on 25 December 1941, a day known locally as ‘Black Christmas’. Young shared in the privations and abuse of his fellow P.O.W.s despite his high position, and returned to Hong Kong after the Japanese surrender to great fanfare. Soon after he made vigorous but ultimately unsuccessful attempts to reform and democratize politics in Hong Kong, devising the ‘Young Plan’ in 1946, comprising: The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St. George, Knight Grand Cross 1st Class Set of Insignia, comprising sash badge in silver-gilt and enamels, and breast star in silver, gilt and enamels, in original fitted case, by Garrard & Co. Ltd.; with collar chain, in silver gilt and enamels, also in original fitted case, by Garrard & Co. Ltd.; The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knight of Grace set of insignia, comprising neck badge, 53mm width, in silver and enamel, and breast star, 70mm width, in silver and enamel with brooch pin, neck ribbon and alternate uniform ribbon, in case of issue; The Order of St. John, officer’s breast badge, in silver;1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. M. A. Young. Rif. Brig.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. M. A. Young.); Jubilee Medal 1935; Coronation Medal, 1937; G.C.M.G. and O.S.J. sets separate, campaign group swing mounted on bar with reverse brooch pin, these with matching set of miniatures, medals lightly polished, very fine or better, orders generally extremely fine  (11).  C.M.G.: London Gazette: 03.06.1931 (Chief Secretary, Palestine); The Order of St. John, Officer: London Gazette: 24.06.1932; K.C.M.G.: London Gazette: 21.06.1940; The Order of St. John, Knight of Grace: London Gazette: 21.06.1940; G.C.M.G.: London Gazette: 01.01.1946 (Governor and Commander-in-Chief, Hong Kong).  Sir Mark Aitchison Young, G.C.M.G. (1886-1974), was born on 30 June 1886, the son of Sir William Mackworth Young and Frances Mary Egerton, daughter of Sir Robert Eyles Egerton. His father had served as Resident of Mysore and Coorg, and then as Lieutenant-Governor the Punjab between 1897 and 1902, and both families were counted amongst the most distinguished families in Colonial India. Mark Aitchison Young was educated at Eton College and King’s College, Cambridge, entering the Colonial Office as an ‘Eastern Cadet’ on 4 October 1909, and subsequently taking up a post in the Ceylon Civil Service. He continued to work at the Colonial Secretary’s Office, Colombo, until the outbreak of WWI in August 1914, when he joined the Rifle Brigade, being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 13 June 1915. Serving on the Western Front in France and Flanders, he rose to the rank of Captain before returning to the Civil Service once the Great War had ended. His career continued on an impressive trajectory, first returning to Ceylon as Principal Assistant Colonial Secretary between 1923 and 1928, then serving as Colonial Secretary in Sierra Leone between 1928 and 1930. Between 1930 and 1933 he was Chief Secretary to the Government of the British Mandate of Palestine (for which he was made C.M.G.), later taking up his first Governorship in Barbados between 1933 and 1938, being appointed K.C.M.G. in 1934. He also served as part of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, before serving again as Governor and Commander in Chief of the Tanganyika Territory between 1938 and 1941. Mark Young arrived in Hong Kong on 10 September 1941, and only weeks into his new role began making detailed plans to resist the attacking Japanese forces. Beginning on 8 December, the mainland areas of the New Territories and Kowloon were captured after 5 days of fighting, with Major-General Maltby’s combined British & Indian units of the Mainland Brigade (2nd Bn. Royal Scots; 5th/7th Bn. Rajput Regiment, 2nd/14th Bn. Punjab Regiment) forced back to the more readily-defensible Hong Kong Island.  The first call to surrender was made by the Japanese commander Lieutenant-General Taikaishi Sakai on 13 December, but Young rejected it outright, calling upon Hong Kong’s defenders to “Fight On! Hold fast for King and Empire!” On 25 December the South China Morning Post had run the Governor’s Christmas message that very morning, showing still that the Governor had no intention of surrender: “In pride and admiration I send my greetings this Christmas Day to all those who are working so nobly and so well to sustain Hong Kong against the assault of the enemy. God bless you all in this, your finest hour.”  At the same time, early that day, civilians, nurses and wounded soldiers were being killed and assaulted at St. Stephen’s College Hospital. Just hours later at 3.00pm, General Maltby was driven to Government House, in the hope of convincing the Governor to surrender, on the advice of his other fellow officers – each one at breaking point, and with water and communications now cut off. Calling a meeting with Maltby, Commander A. C. Collinson R.N., and two members of the civilian Defence Council, Governor Young heeded their advice and took the final decision to call a cease-fire at 3.15pm. Fearing further reprisals and civilian casualties, and under a chronic shortage of water, he gave the colony’s surrender to General Takashi Sakai at the Peninsula Hotel later that day, to the shock of the world, and despite Churchill’s call to fight to the very last. This, the first surrender of a British Crown Colony to invasion, became known as ‘Black Christmas’ in Hong Kong, as it braced itself for what would be a brutal 3 years and 8 months of Japanese rule.  Despite his position, after two months incarceration in ‘Room 336’ of the Peninsula Hotel he spent some time in the POW camp in Stanley before being moved with other high-ranking officials (including Maltby) between further camps in Shanghai, Formosa (Taiwan), Japan, on the Mongolian border, and then to Mukden, Manchuria. Governor Young is known to have defended the rights of his fellow POWs on numerous occasions in the face of regular brutality, and shared in their privations and abusive treatment. He also once petitioned his fellow P.O.W.s to resist signing documents that they would never attempt to escape captivity.  Various eye-witness P.O.W. accounts recall that Governor Young did not avoid the brutal treatment of his captors, regardless of his high position. Despite his suffering and that of those around him, he survived to see the Japanese surrender on 15 August 1945, and later took part in a number of war crimes tribunals concerning various Japanese officers and officials. Being much weakened through prolonged captivity, Governor Young was returned to Great Britain for a period of recovery before his official return to Hong Kong on 30 April 1946, where he was greeted by ‘one of the largest crowds ever to have been assembled’ by the waterfront on the Queen’s Pier (as recorded by the China Mail, 1 May 1946). This important and symbolic return to the colony’s British administration was well-received, but marked the final bow of Sir Mark Young’s eventful career. Despite his attempts to reform local politics through the self-titled ‘Young Plan’ of September 1946, which themselves were an attempt to democratise Hong Kong and to strengthen self-government for the long-term, these plans were eventually rejected for fear of communist infiltration and subversion. Governor Young was made G.C.M.G. that year in 1946, but was not otherwise recognised with any honours for his role as Governor of Hong Kong, despite his even handedness, his resilience, and his remarkable strength of character shown under the most trying of circumstances. He retired from the Colonial Office in 1947, and later died on 12 May 1974, at the age of 87.

A WW2 Royal Navy L.S.G.C. Group of 5 awarded to Leading Seaman C. A. E. Green, H.M.S. Renown, R.N., who appears to have served aboard the ‘Fairmile B’ type anti-submarine Motor Launch H.M.S M.L.496. Many boats of this type participated in the D-Day Landings, comprising: 1939-1945 Star; Atlantic Star, with clasp ‘France and Germany’; Africa Star, with clasp ‘North Africa 1942-43’; War Medal, 1939-1945; Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (J.94108 C. A. E. Green, L. S. H.M.S. Renown); With dog tag and ‘Eng. Rm.’ Keys to ‘M.L.496,’ R.N. Old Comrades Association lapel badge, original set of miniatures, very fine or better (8). The above recipient is most likely related to the recipient of lot 165.

A New Zealand Long Service Group of 10 awarded to Warrant Officer 2nd Class Laurence Charles Collier, Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, late Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and R.N.A.S.C., who served with 161 Battery R.N.Z.A.O.C. in Vietnam, comprising: New Zealand Operational Service, 2002 (211271 Collier L.C.); United Nations Korea, 1950-53 (211271 L/Cpl L. C. Collier), Korea clasp loosely attached on ribbon; New Zealand General Service, 1992 (Non-Warlike), single clasp, Korea 1954-57 (211271 Lcpl L C Colleir [sic] RNZASC); General Service Medal, 1962-2007, 2 clasps, Borneo, Malay Peninsula (112171 Pte Collier L. C. RNZIR.); Vietnam, 1964-73 (211271 Cpl L C Collier RNZAOC); New Zealand General Service, 1992 (Warlike), single clasp, Vietnam (211271 Cpl LC Collier RNZAOC); Replacement New Zealand Army Long Service and Good Conduct, E.II.R. (WO2 L C CollierS211271 RNZAOC), erasure to ‘R’ after naming details; Erased New Zealand Defence Service, 2011, ‘Regular’ type, edge skimmed; Malaysia, Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal, 2005; South Vietnam Campaign Medal, 1964-72, with clasp 1960; Group court-mounted for display, lightly polished, about extremely fine, a large modern campaign group and undoubtedly a scarce combination (10). The New Zealand War Memorial Museum website appears to give the recipient’s birthdate at 17 January 1929, and confirms that he had served in the Borneo Confrontation of 1963-66, and then in the Vietnam War in 1964-5 as a Corporal in 161 Battery, RNZAOC. Offered with small cloth badge, metal-framed riband bar for two medals, and a cap badge.

Miniatures: Admiral Gordon Campbell’s original Great War period Victoria Cross and triple D.S.O. Miniature Group of Seven and other items (see below) personally presented by the Admiral to Dorothy Isobel Mackay Houston, his literary assistant and close friend, comprising: Victoria Cross, in bronze; D.S.O., G.V.R., silver gilt, with two bars; 1914-15 Star; British War Medal, with 6 unofficial silver clasps, Home Seas 1914, Home Seas 1915, Home Seas 1916, Home Seas 1917, Home Seas 1918, “Q-Ships”; Victory medal; France, Légion d’Honneur, Officer’s breast badge in gilt and enamels, with rosette upon ribbon; France, Croix de Guerre with palm, 1914-1918, mounted on bar with reverse brooch-pin, extremely fine, in Spink & Son case. The lot is offered with the following additional items: A metal brooch-mounted V.C. and D.S.O. riband bar, with miniature Victoria Cross emblem on its original 1917 blue ribbon and rosette on D.S.O. ribbon to denote a first bar; A cloth riband bar with miniature Victoria Cross emblem (now loose) upon post-1917 standardised V.C. ribbon, with two rosettes on D.S.O. ribbon to denote first and second bars; An original silver print portrait photograph of Gordon Campbell in uniform, 200 x 150mm, signed both by the recipient and by the Royal photographer Hay Wrightson (1874-1949), of 41 New Bond Street, London, with details to reverse (the portrait as used as the frontispiece for Gordon Campbell’s My Mystery Ships, first published in 1928 and illustrated here as the header to lot 194). Two signed hardback copies of Gordon Campbell’s books A Son of the Sea and Captain Cook (both 1936), each bearing a personal manuscript dedication and thanks to ‘The Boatswain’ (then Miss D. I. Mackay Houston, later First Officer, W.R.N.S., who became Mrs Mackay-Mure) for her assistance with each book, also signed and dated by the recipient. A Son of the Sea additionally bears the printed dedication ‘To D.I.M.H.’, both volumes in good used condition. Four personal manuscript letters from Gordon Campbell to Miss Mackay-Houston, of which three are humorous and playful in nature (one dated 26 November 1939), and the fourth to ‘Beloved & respected Bos’n…’ containing heartfelt, personal advice, written on paper with Admiralty seal, undated, circa 1940. Copied documentation giving specific provenance information. Provenance: All the items in this lot were given personally by Vice-Admiral Gordon Campbell to Miss D.I. Mackay-Houston, affectionately nicknamed ‘The Bos’n’, who worked closely with him during his time as Member of Parliament for Burnley and who assisted him with the writing of several of his books. A graduate of the University of London, she became a First Officer with the W.R.N.S. in WW2, remaining a lifelong friend of the Rear-Admiral and his family. Gordon Campbell’s son David became Godfather to her daughter, Christina Jane Mackay-Mure. (7)

Jordan, Order of the Hashemite Star, grand cross breast star in silver, gilt and enamels, c. 2015, by Worth, 78.5mm width, manufacturer’s name to reverse with ‘.925’ silver mark, officially numbered ‘16’, with reverse brooch pin, tiny chip to white enamel at centre, otherwise extremely fine or better. The Order of the Hashemite Star is granted ‘in recognition of long service to employees who have demonstrated dedication and devotion as civilians or military personnel, and for others whom the King decides to grant this award.’ (Jordanian Orders Act, 2015).

Austria, Gold Medal of Honour for English Cavalrymen, 1794 (Ehrenmedaille für Englische Kavalleristen), as awarded by the young Holy Roman Emperor Francis II in recognition of his personal rescue by eight Officers of the 15th Light Dragoons at the Battle of Villers-en-Cauchies on 24 April 1794, by Johann Nepomuk Würth; obv., IMP. CAES. FRANCISCVS. II. P. F. AVG., bust of Emperor Francis II right, signed i.n. wirt. f. below truncation, rev., FORTI. BRITANNO. IN. EXERCITV. FOED. AD. CAMERACVM. XXIV. 24. APR. MDCCXCIV., crossed laurel sprays below, diameter 60mm, height (including suspension ring) 70mm, weight 136.75g (Montenuovo no.2296; Forrer, Biographical Dictionary of Medallists, Vol. 6, pp. 569-70, illustrated), fitted with a finely-made gold split-ring loop for suspension from a gold chain, a couple of rim knocks and with contact wear, generally very fine, extremely rare Only nine examples were struck on the instructions of the Holy Roman Emperor Francis II (later to become Emperor Francis I of Austria and also known as the ‘Doppelkaiser’). The medal was created as a gallantry award and reward to the eight British Cavalry Officers of the 15th Light Dragoons who took part at the Battle of Villers-en-Cauchies and who rescued Francis from capture by the French, with one specimen being retained for the Imperial Cabinet of Vienna. The action, against greatly superior numbers, was later likened to that of ‘the renowned Black Prince at the hard fought battles of Cressy and Poictiers [sic]’, and the eight recipients to be honoured were: Lieut.-Col. William Aylett (in command), Captains Robert Pocklington and Edward Michael Ryan, Lieutenants Thomas Granby Calcraft, William Keir (as he was known at the time) and Charles Burrell Blount, and Cornets Edward Gerald Butler and Robert Thomas Wilson. All eight were also awarded the Military Order of Maria Theresa in 1800; see the following lot. The medals, weighing 40 ducats, were originally presented with substantial gold suspension chains for wearing. How many of the eight still survive is unknown but it is recorded that those to Cornet Butler and Captain Pocklington (ex Whitaker Collection) appeared in commerce in 1967 and 1968 respectively. Awarded to Major-General Sir William Keir Grant K.C.B., G.C.H., 6th Dragoon Guards, late 15th Light Dragoons, who became Colonel of the Royal Scots Greys. William Keir (later Keir Grant) was one of just eight Officers of the 15th Light Dragoons to receive the spectacular gold Ehrenmedaille für Englische Kavalleriste, expressly awarded by the Holy Roman Emperor, Francis II, for gallantry in saving him personally from capture by French forces at the Battle of Villers-en-Cauchies (which is variously spelled in historical records), near Cambrai, in 1794. As it so happened, Keir Grant was later to become the recipient of an equally rare honour – the Collar and insignia of the Order of the Lion and Sun of Persia - for commanding a major British military expedition to the ‘Pirate Coast’ on the south-eastern Persian Gulf. Having roundly defeated the enemy and pacified the pirate stronghold of Ras al-Khaimah, Keir Grant succeeded in securing an agreement with a number of important tribal leaders, leading to an historic Peace Treaty of 1820 which heralded local truces and the foundation of the Trucial Sheikhdoms as well as the abolition of the Slave Trade in the area. Modifications to the Treaty and a full revision many decades later, in 1892, contributed to an enhanced British presence in the Southern Gulf and important new relationships with the Trucial Sheikhdoms. A loose British Protectorate was to last until the gaining of their independence on 2 December 1970, in turn leading to the creation of the United Arab Emirates.

Austria, Imperial Austrian Military Order of Maria Theresa, Knight’s breast badge, awarded in 1800, in gold and enamels, with suspension loop, 41mm (including suspension) x 28.5mm width, tiny chips to lower reverse points of cross and reverse enamel at central wreath, very fine. This award was conferred upon the eight recipients of the 1794 Villers-en-Cauchies gold medals (see preceding lot) on 7 November 1800 following a change in the statutes of the Order of Maria Theresa, allowing its award to foreigners for the first time. Permission to wear was granted by King George III and announced in the London Gazette, 2 June 1801. Together with the award came the title of Baron in Austria, considered equivalent to the award of the Knight Bachelor in Britain and in Europe. As one of the terms of this award, the Villers-en-Cauchies medal was no longer supposed to be worn although it was to be retained by the recipients. Awarded to Major-General Sir William Keir Grant K.C.B., G.C.H., 6th Dragoon Guards, late 15th Light Dragoons, who became Colonel of the Royal Scots Greys. William Keir (later Keir Grant) was one of just eight Officers of the 15th Light Dragoons to receive the spectacular gold Ehrenmedaille für Englische Kavalleriste, expressly awarded by the Holy Roman Emperor, Francis II, for gallantry in saving him personally from capture by French forces at the Battle of Villers-en-Cauchies (which is variously spelled in historical records), near Cambrai, in 1794. As it so happened, Keir Grant was later to become the recipient of an equally rare honour – the Collar and insignia of the Order of the Lion and Sun of Persia - for commanding a major British military expedition to the ‘Pirate Coast’ on the south-eastern Persian Gulf. Having roundly defeated the enemy and pacified the pirate stronghold of Ras al-Khaimah, Keir Grant succeeded in securing an agreement with a number of important tribal leaders, leading to an historic Peace Treaty of 1820 which heralded local truces and the foundation of the Trucial Sheikhdoms as well as the abolition of the Slave Trade in the area. Modifications to the Treaty and a full revision many decades later, in 1892, contributed to an enhanced British presence in the Southern Gulf and important new relationships with the Trucial Sheikhdoms. A loose British Protectorate was to last until the gaining of their independence on 2 December 1970, in turn leading to the creation of the United Arab Emirates.

Austria, Silver Medal of Archduke Karl Ludwig of Austria, 1843, officially impressed in serif capitals (will. freih. keir = grant), struck to commemorate 50 years of the Grand Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa, obv., bust of Archduke Karl Ludwig left, signed i.d. boehm f. on below truncation, KARL LUDWIG ERZHERZOG VON OESTERRICH, rev., Grand Cross badge of the Order of Maria Theresa at centre, wreath of oak leaves around, date MDCCCXLIII below ribbons, 52.5 mm (Montenuovo no.2607), small rim bruise and has been cleaned, about extremely fine. Awarded to Major-General Sir William Keir Grant K.C.B., G.C.H., 6th Dragoon Guards, late 15th Light Dragoons, who became Colonel of the Royal Scots Greys. William Keir (later Keir Grant) was one of just eight Officers of the 15th Light Dragoons to receive the spectacular gold Ehrenmedaille für Englische Kavalleriste, expressly awarded by the Holy Roman Emperor, Francis II, for gallantry in saving him personally from capture by French forces at the Battle of Villers-en-Cauchies (which is variously spelled in historical records), near Cambrai, in 1794. As it so happened, Keir Grant was later to become the recipient of an equally rare honour – the Collar and insignia of the Order of the Lion and Sun of Persia - for commanding a major British military expedition to the ‘Pirate Coast’ on the south-eastern Persian Gulf. Having roundly defeated the enemy and pacified the pirate stronghold of Ras al-Khaimah, Keir Grant succeeded in securing an agreement with a number of important tribal leaders, leading to an historic Peace Treaty of 1820 which heralded local truces and the foundation of the Trucial Sheikhdoms as well as the abolition of the Slave Trade in the area. Modifications to the Treaty and a full revision many decades later, in 1892, contributed to an enhanced British presence in the Southern Gulf and important new relationships with the Trucial Sheikhdoms. A loose British Protectorate was to last until the gaining of their independence on 2 December 1970, in turn leading to the creation of the United Arab Emirates.

France, Légion d’Honneur, Henri IV, July Monarchy, circa 1830-1848, Commander’s breast badge, in gold and enamels, type with bust facing right, 89mm (including crown suspension) x 59.5mm (cf. J.-P. Collignon, fig. 382, pg.229), French gold mark to lower tie of ribbons in wreath, minor loss of green enamel in wreath and to two small jewels in crown, some flakes and cracks in enamel of cross, otherwise very fine and of very high quality. This award is not known to have appeared officially in the London Gazette, but probably relates to other services performed by Sir William Keir-Grant in later life. It has been directly associated with, and considered part of, his group since at least the 1930s. Awarded to Major-General Sir William Keir Grant K.C.B., G.C.H., 6th Dragoon Guards, late 15th Light Dragoons, who became Colonel of the Royal Scots Greys. William Keir (later Keir Grant) was one of just eight Officers of the 15th Light Dragoons to receive the spectacular gold Ehrenmedaille für Englische Kavalleriste, expressly awarded by the Holy Roman Emperor, Francis II, for gallantry in saving him personally from capture by French forces at the Battle of Villers-en-Cauchies (which is variously spelled in historical records), near Cambrai, in 1794. As it so happened, Keir Grant was later to become the recipient of an equally rare honour – the Collar and insignia of the Order of the Lion and Sun of Persia - for commanding a major British military expedition to the ‘Pirate Coast’ on the south-eastern Persian Gulf. Having roundly defeated the enemy and pacified the pirate stronghold of Ras al-Khaimah, Keir Grant succeeded in securing an agreement with a number of important tribal leaders, leading to an historic Peace Treaty of 1820 which heralded local truces and the foundation of the Trucial Sheikhdoms as well as the abolition of the Slave Trade in the area. Modifications to the Treaty and a full revision many decades later, in 1892, contributed to an enhanced British presence in the Southern Gulf and important new relationships with the Trucial Sheikhdoms. A loose British Protectorate was to last until the gaining of their independence on 2 December 1970, in turn leading to the creation of the United Arab Emirates.

Great Britain, Order of the Bath, Knight Commander’s breast star, circa 1822, by Storr & Mortimer, in silver, gold and enamels, with reverse brooch pin in gold, reverse centre engraved with makers’ names ‘Storr & Mortimer, Bond Street’, 62mm, slight wear to lower blue enamel and a few green leaves of central wreath, otherwise good very fine. K.C.B.: London Gazette: 3 December 1822. Believed to be directly associated with his successful suppression of piracy the Persian Gulf, and the signing of the Treaty of 1820. Awarded to Major-General Sir William Keir Grant K.C.B., G.C.H., 6th Dragoon Guards, late 15th Light Dragoons, who became Colonel of the Royal Scots Greys. William Keir (later Keir Grant) was one of just eight Officers of the 15th Light Dragoons to receive the spectacular gold Ehrenmedaille für Englische Kavalleriste, expressly awarded by the Holy Roman Emperor, Francis II, for gallantry in saving him personally from capture by French forces at the Battle of Villers-en-Cauchies (which is variously spelled in historical records), near Cambrai, in 1794. As it so happened, Keir Grant was later to become the recipient of an equally rare honour – the Collar and insignia of the Order of the Lion and Sun of Persia - for commanding a major British military expedition to the ‘Pirate Coast’ on the south-eastern Persian Gulf. Having roundly defeated the enemy and pacified the pirate stronghold of Ras al-Khaimah, Keir Grant succeeded in securing an agreement with a number of important tribal leaders, leading to an historic Peace Treaty of 1820 which heralded local truces and the foundation of the Trucial Sheikhdoms as well as the abolition of the Slave Trade in the area. Modifications to the Treaty and a full revision many decades later, in 1892, contributed to an enhanced British presence in the Southern Gulf and important new relationships with the Trucial Sheikhdoms. A loose British Protectorate was to last until the gaining of their independence on 2 December 1970, in turn leading to the creation of the United Arab Emirates.

Iran, Persian Empire, The Royal Persian Order of the Lion and the Sun, an early Collar Chain and Collar Badge, of Persian manufacture, Tehran, 1820-30, in gold and enamels; the Collar comprising 24 alternating links in the form of decorated star-framed oval lions couchant right, with sun rising behind (12, each 61 mm width), and crossed pairs of bows and quiver of arrows, with shamshir type sword across (12, each 73 mm width), with simple hook fastener and eye for the suspension of the badge, all 24 links plainly enamelled on their reverses also and the lion links with oval gold backing pieces (of which 3 are now missing), some enamel loss and repair to several links but a spectacular early Collar of exceptional and delicate workmanship; with circular Collar Badge, of hollow construction, in gold with blue and green translucent enamels, finely-worked lion couchant in high relief right before radiant sun [this now with plain centre, probably formerly enamelled with a sun-face], with hook-and-ring suspension for attachment to the Collar, the reverse in plain gold, 70.5mm (including suspension) x 54mm, good very fine, an early Collar and Badge of magnificent craftsmanship, style and detail, excessively rare (2). Awarded by the Shah of Persia to Lieutenant-General Sir William Keir Grant, K.C.B., K.C.H. and Knight of the Imperial Austrian Military Order of Maria Theresa ‘in consideration of his distinguished Services in The Persian Gulf’, following his successful suppression of piracy the Persian Gulf and the signing of the Treaty of 1820. While the precise date of the award has not been traced it was acknowledged by William IV under a Royal Licence dated 24 October 1831 (for further details see Carlisle, N., A Concise Account Of The Several Foreign Orders Of Knighthood…, London, 1839, reprinted by the Naval and Military Press). Awarded to Major-General Sir William Keir Grant K.C.B., G.C.H., 6th Dragoon Guards, late 15th Light Dragoons, who became Colonel of the Royal Scots Greys. William Keir (later Keir Grant) was one of just eight Officers of the 15th Light Dragoons to receive the spectacular gold Ehrenmedaille für Englische Kavalleriste, expressly awarded by the Holy Roman Emperor, Francis II, for gallantry in saving him personally from capture by French forces at the Battle of Villers-en-Cauchies (which is variously spelled in historical records), near Cambrai, in 1794. As it so happened, Keir Grant was later to become the recipient of an equally rare honour – the Collar and insignia of the Order of the Lion and Sun of Persia - for commanding a major British military expedition to the ‘Pirate Coast’ on the south-eastern Persian Gulf. Having roundly defeated the enemy and pacified the pirate stronghold of Ras al-Khaimah, Keir Grant succeeded in securing an agreement with a number of important tribal leaders, leading to an historic Peace Treaty of 1820 which heralded local truces and the foundation of the Trucial Sheikhdoms as well as the abolition of the Slave Trade in the area. Modifications to the Treaty and a full revision many decades later, in 1892, contributed to an enhanced British presence in the Southern Gulf and important new relationships with the Trucial Sheikhdoms. A loose British Protectorate was to last until the gaining of their independence on 2 December 1970, in turn leading to the creation of the United Arab Emirates.

Iran, Persian Empire, The Royal Persian Order of the Lion and the Sun, Grand Cross Breast Star, Russian-made, circa 1850, by Andrews of St. Petersburg, in pierced silver, rose gold and enamels, of superb quality manufacture, backplate in pale gold engraved ‘Andrews à St Petersbourg’, with vertical brooch-pin for suspension (keeper now lacking), 88mm, extremely fine and an exceptional early Russian-made breast star. Presumed to have been commissioned by Keir Grant some years after his formal award of the Order of the Lion and the Sun for wear in conventional European style. This high-quality Russian-made badge by Andrews of St. Petersburg may well have been ordered in Paris. Awarded to Major-General Sir William Keir Grant K.C.B., G.C.H., 6th Dragoon Guards, late 15th Light Dragoons, who became Colonel of the Royal Scots Greys. William Keir (later Keir Grant) was one of just eight Officers of the 15th Light Dragoons to receive the spectacular gold Ehrenmedaille für Englische Kavalleriste, expressly awarded by the Holy Roman Emperor, Francis II, for gallantry in saving him personally from capture by French forces at the Battle of Villers-en-Cauchies (which is variously spelled in historical records), near Cambrai, in 1794. As it so happened, Keir Grant was later to become the recipient of an equally rare honour – the Collar and insignia of the Order of the Lion and Sun of Persia - for commanding a major British military expedition to the ‘Pirate Coast’ on the south-eastern Persian Gulf. Having roundly defeated the enemy and pacified the pirate stronghold of Ras al-Khaimah, Keir Grant succeeded in securing an agreement with a number of important tribal leaders, leading to an historic Peace Treaty of 1820 which heralded local truces and the foundation of the Trucial Sheikhdoms as well as the abolition of the Slave Trade in the area. Modifications to the Treaty and a full revision many decades later, in 1892, contributed to an enhanced British presence in the Southern Gulf and important new relationships with the Trucial Sheikhdoms. A loose British Protectorate was to last until the gaining of their independence on 2 December 1970, in turn leading to the creation of the United Arab Emirates.

Portrait: A small-sized unsigned portrait of Major-General Sir William Keir Grant, in Cavalry Officers’ uniform, wearing many of his Orders and Decorations including the ‘Villers-en-Cauchies’ gold medal and chain, his right sleeve empty and pinned owing to the loss of his hand, in a card mount, with gilt frame, in good very fine condition. Major-General Sir William Keir-Grant, K.C.B., G.C.H. (1772-1852) was born in 1772, the son of Archibald Keir, H.E.I.C.S., a successful and influential salt merchant based in Calcutta, India, whose family originally hailed from Stirling and had been supporters of the Jacobite cause. William Keir; as he was then known, joined the British Army on 30 May 1792, being gazetted as a Cornet in the 15th (King’s) Light Dragoons. Promoted to Lieutenant in 1793, he served with this regiment in Flanders during the campaign of 1793-4, taking part in the battles at Famars and Valenciennes, amongst others. He distinguished himself greatly during April 1794, when a squadron of his regiment saved the Prince of Schwartzemburg from French cavalry during a reconnaissance on 17 April, and then again during his regiment’s remarkable involvement in the bloody and hard-fought Battle of Villers-en-Couché, near Cambrai, on 24 April. At this battle, two squadrons of the 15th Light Dragoons (roughly 186 officers and men) under Major William Aylett, and two similarly-sized squadrons of the Austrian Leopold Hussars led by Baron Sentheresky left their supporting troops and overthrew a vastly superior force of French cavalry (roughly 700). Having forced them to retreat, they found that through the smoke, dust and chaos that they had advanced into a position in the face of some 10,000 enemy infantry formed in squares. As stated at that moment by General Otto, the General in command “they had advanced too far to retreat…the attempt (to retreat) would be death with dishonour; the attack perhaps death, but with glory; (and) that the Emperor’s safety depended on their courage”. Choosing firmly the latter, the 15th charged in front, with the Leopold Hussars taking the enemy’s left flank, and pursued their quarry through the French infantry squares, routing the enemy and leaving them in disarray and chaos. In the process of this signal success they (alongside their Austrian cavalry counterparts) killed some 1,200 men, captured three enemy guns, and crucially, saved the Holy Roman Emperor Francis II; who was en route to Coblentz, from being taken captive by the French (Cannon’s ‘Historical Records of the 15th Hussars’ refers). For this the 15th Light Dragoons were given the unique battle honour of ‘Villers-en-Couché’ for their regimental colours, and the 8 principal officers involved were rewarded for their gallantry with a large gold medal – the personal thanks of the Holy Roman Emperor Francis II (later Francis I of Austria, or the ‘Doppelkaiser’ owing to his double role as Emperor), with just one kept for the Austrian Imperial Cabinet. The original letter from Baron Thugut to Colonel Aylett, which accompanied these awards on the occasion of their presentation, read as follows: ‘Sir, the Emperor remembers, with satisfaction, the distinguished proofs of valour that you, and the other Officers of the 15th Light Dragoons, manifested on the 24th April, 1794, near Cambray. His Majesty regrets, that the statutes of the order of Maria Theresa, confirmed by constant custom, prohibits the cross of this order, strictly national, being conferred on Officers so worthy of being decorated with it; but wishing to give you, as also your honourable companions, a public mark of his particular esteem, his Majesty has commanded a medal to be struck, to perpetuate the remembrance of this brilliant action, and has ordered me to offer to them the only impressions which have been struck, except one, which is placed in the Imperial Cabinet of Vienna. In fulfilling the intentions of his Imperial Majesty, I beg you, consequently, to receive, for yourself, Sir, and to distribute to the other Officers, who, on the memorable 24th April, 1794, fought under your orders, the medals which I have delivered to Captain Ryan. I have the honour to join the assurances of the highest consideration, and have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, Le Baron Thugut.’

The 2-clasp N.G.S. Trafalgar & Java awarded to Private William Morris, Royal Marines, who served aboard H.M.S. Belleisle during the Battle of Trafalgar, and was present aboard H.M.S. Scipion during the capture of the island of Java in September 1811, comprising: Naval General Service, 1793-1840, two clasps, Trafalgar, Java (William Morris.), light tone, a few light hairlines from polishing, otherwise extremely fine. Private William Morris, apparently of Ilchester, Somerset, was born c. 1785 and joined 58 Company, Chatham Division, Royal Marines, coming aboard H.M.S. Belleisle (74) on 28 April, 1802, and being discharged on 10 January 1806 at Plymouth Headquarters. These dates of service confirm his presence during the blockade of Toulon in 1803-4, and subsequently during the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805. Under the command of Captain William Hargood, Belleisle was the second ship in Admiral Collingwood’s lee column, and saw a good deal of action in the battle. She suffered during some early exchanges with the Spanish ship Monarca, and the Santa Ana (112) at which time, watching from H.M.S. Victory, Nelson said ‘Nobly done, Hargood!’ after witnessing a well-timed broadside. She later engaged the Indomptable (80) and San Juan de Nepomuceno, before a particularly brutal series of exchanges against the Fougeaux (74). The Belleisle became dismasted, but her Union Jack remained defiantly suspended upon a pike, with an ensign placed upon the shattered stump of the mast, despite further attacks towards the end of the battle. Private Morris returned for further service in the Royal Navy, and is listed as having come aboard Rear-Admiral Robert Stopford’s H.M.S. Scipion (74) on 18 April 1810, and having served during the capture of the island of Java in August-September 1811. It is likely that Morris remained with this ship until her decommissioning in 1816. He later appears to have received a single clasp N.G.S. with Trafalgar clasp, after which he rightly pursued his additional Java clasp as a ‘late claim’, being fully entitled. His service notes at the National Archives list ‘Allotment made from wages 1 February 1803 to mother (paid from Ilchester).’ Two other ratings of this name are entitled to the N.G.S. One is a two clasp medal to an Able Seaman aboard H.M.S. Captain (this, located in the National Maritime Museum, Plymouth), and another single clasp 1 June 1794 to an Able Seaman aboard the Royal George. Ex J. Lawson Whalley Collection, 1877, Morton & Eden, 1 December 2011 and Baldwin, 2012.

The N.G.S. Trafalgar awarded to Armourer’s Mate Charles Freeman, who served aboard H.M.S. Orion during the Battle of Trafalgar. In this role as a Petty Officer, he would have assisted the Armourer in distributing the small arms and weaponry required by the crew on deck during this famous battle, comprising: Naval General Service, 1793-1840, single clasp, Trafalgar (Chas Freeman.), court-mounted, attractively toned, two small edge bumps, otherwise good very fine. Armourer’s Mate Charles Freeman was born c.1778 in Rutland, England, and joined Captain Edward Codrington’s H.M.S. Orion (74) on 22 July 1805, having transferred from H.M.S. Desiree (36). Soon after he took part in the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805, serving as Armourer’s Mate. Responsible in support of the Armourer for the upkeep, repair and distribution of all of the ship’s small arms and weaponry, it is likely that he would have been found on deck during the fighting. The Orion formed part of the weather column and ‘she fought the French 74-Gun Intrepide, which she forced in quarter of an hour to haul down her colours, and assisted in the submission of the French Swiftsure.’ (The Trafalgar Roll, by Mackenzie, refers). She suffered twenty-four killed and wounded during the battle, and had several spars damaged, and her main-topsail shot away. Charles Freeman is a unique name on the N.G.S. medal roll. Ex Glendining, June 1992, Spink, April 1994, Turl Collection (Spink, 22 July 2010, lot 18) and Baldwin, 2011.