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Click here to subscribeA good quantity of various makes featuring a number of Morris Minors The lot includes Corgi: c35 Morris Minors as saloons, convertibles and vans – Police, Bomb Disposal, Colman`s Mustard, Shell, Unipart, Bird`s Custard etc; other Corgi: British Rail 2-van set Bedford CA/Ford Popular, Transport of the Early 50s 2-piece Hants & Dorset bus set, Military Air Power HS Buccaneer; Matchbox Yesteryear: 1912 Model T Ford Pepsi, 1928 Bugatti T44, 1938 Mercedes Benz 540K, 1927 Talbot Lyle`s Golden Syrup; Dinky: 1958 Studebaker Golden Hawk, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible, 1955 Bentley R Continental; Vanguard: Morris Minor – Cussons, Southern Electricity. Also a Matchbox Railway Set and 9 assorted Matchbox Specials rally cars. All boxed, minor wear/minor damage to some, contents mostly VGC or as new. (c80)
* Glass Negatives. Zeppelin wreck, c. 1912, a group of ten glass negatives, 5 x 7 in (12 x 17cm), showing details of a wrecked Zeppelin, including framework, engine, machine gun etc., some parts carry identification display labels, including switchboard for bomb dropping, bomb dropping gear, Fore starboard engine room, elevator, caps found near wreck, commander`s chair, engine room instruments, relics found by police near wreck, cylinder engine, etc. (10)
* WWI - 87a Squadriglia Aeroplani. An album of 229 mounted b&w photos, c. 1918 and sl. later, the majority aerial views mounted four to a page on 29 leaves, the first 23 images (approx. 15 x 11cm) relating to Italian aerial bombings of the Asiago plateau region in North Eastern Italy and Libya, the majority of the remaining mostly similar size images being aerial views of Italian towns, buildings and countryside, including Pisa, Venice, Rome, Capo d`Istria, Verona, Bologna, Triest, one image of Quito with a signed presentation inscription from observer Ettore Lodi to his friend Felice Pozzo, dated April 1923, views of the Italian lakes, three images showing the villa of the poet and fighter pilot D`Annunzio near Lake Garda, one leaf with five aerial images of Mount Etna erupting, five images showing the smoking Mount Vesuvius (1922 and 1925), some images with caption codes and dates in the negative, many neatly captioned in white on mounts beneath, contemp. plain stiff wrappers with spine tie, sl. rubbed and soiled, oblong folio. One aerial photo of the Belvedere Piazza and the Principe Ugenio in Vienna is dated 9th August [1]918 in the negative. This would have been taken during the Flight of Vienna, an epic action performed by the Italian poet and nationalist patriot Gabriele D`Annuzio on 9th August 1918. He flew with eleven Ansalto S.V.A. from his team, the 87a Squadron ("La Serenissima") in a round trip of some 750 miles. They dropped 50,000 propaganda leaflets with text written by D`Annuzio himself. Besides the photographs there is one pen and ink plan showing the electric power station at Cavedine with the locations of three bomb strikes marked in red. (1)
Scrap Album. Modern album with items behind cellophane, relating to the McDougall family. Early 20th Century with emphasis on the Great War. Postcards, including one from Ernst Eiffel, letters, "Dear Sir. I regret that it is found impossible to return to you the bomb that fell in your garden.......15/11/1917 , photographs, etc. most identified. Visit www.dnfa.com for condition reports
WALLIS BARNES: (1887-1979) English Scientist & Inventor of the bouncing bomb used in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid), 16th May 1943. Signed First Day Cover commemorating International Air Day at RAF Hartland Point and featuring a colour illustration of a Bristol Bulldog. Postally cancelled 7th August 1971 and signed by Wallis with his name alone in bold blue fountain pen ink to a clear area of the cover. VG
ENOLA GAY: Signed 10 x 8 photograph by three of the crew members of the Enola Gay, the B-29 Superfortress bomber that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, 6th August 1945 at the end of World War II, comprising Paul Tibbets (pilot), Tom Ferebee (bombardier) and Theodore J. Van Kirk (navigator). The image depicts the three men standing together in their uniforms alongside an aircraft. Each have signed the image in blue ink to clear areas at the head and all have added their positions beneath their signatures. Tibbets has also added Enola Gay in his hand and Ferebee has added the date of 6th August 1945 in his hand. Matted in pale brown and framed and glazed in a wooden frame to an overall size of 13.5 x 15. VG.
BOCKS CAR: Selection of signed cards, banknotes, FDCs, 8 x 10`s, A.L.S. etc. by various crew members of Bocks Car, the B-29 bomber that dropped the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, 9th August 1945. Included are Charles Albury, Fred Olivi, Kermit Beahan, Frederick Bock, Charles Sweeney, Abe Spitzer, etc. Generally VG. 10
Robert Taylor, Limited Edition Print, "The Dambusters`, signed in pencil by:. Air Marshal Sir Harold (Mick) Martin, KCB, CB, DSO, DFC, AFC, RAAF. Corporal Ken Lucas. Flight Engineer Sergeant Raymond Ernest Grayston. Flight Lieutenant Joseph Charles McCarthy, RCAF, DSO, bar to Distinguished Flying Cross. Flight Lieutenant William "Bill` Reid, VC. Flight Sergeant W.C. (Bill) Townsend, CGM, DFM. Group Captain Lord Leonard Cheshire, VC. Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Sir Arthur T. (Bomber) Harris. Flying Officer Geoffrey Rice, DFC. Sergeant George Leonard (Johnny) Johnston, DFM. Squadron Leader David John Shannon, DSO and Bar, DFC and Bar. Squadron Leader Ken Brown, CGM, CD and Bar. Squadron Leader Les Munro, CNZM, DSO, QSO, DFC, JP. Warrant Officer Norman Cyril Jackson, VC. Wing Commander Roderick Alastair Brook Learoyd, VC. On 16th May 1943 nineteen Lancasters of 617 Squadron under the leadership of Wing Commander Guy Gibson attacked the Moehne, Eder and Sorpe Dams which provided water for the great armament industries of the German Ruhr. The dam faces of the Moehne and Eder were smashed and vast flood waters released. On arrival at the Moehne Dam, Gibson attacked first and scored a direct hit with his Barnes Wallis bouncing bomb. The next aircraft in was hit by flak, and blew up crashing just beyond the dam. Robert Taylor`s print shows the number three aircraft, piloted by Flight Lieutenant Mick Martin making his determined run in, just releasing his bouncing bomb and heading through the devensive curtain of gunfire. Guy Gibson`s aircraft is flying in front and to the starboard of Martin`s in an effort to distract the flak. In spite of this Martin collected a shell right through a wing tank, but his bomb scored another direct hit. Gibson and Martin, then flew in with each of the two successive attacks either distracting the defences of attempting to suppress them with fire from their own air-gunners. The cumulative effect of the fourth direct hit breached the Dam and 150,000,000 gallons flooded the Ruhr valley washing away factories, railway bridges, electric pylons but above all greatly reducing water supplies, necessary to the armament industrial processes. The total cost of the overall operation to 617 Squadron was 56 members lost from 133 original flyers, and eight Lancasters destroyed and four damaged. Gibson was awarded the VC and 32 other aircrew were decorated for this most famous of all air offensive actions. Visit www.dnfa.com for condition reports
Two First World War service medals, awarded to Private B Griggs, MGC, another awarded to Private EH Wilson, 6th London Regiment, together with a 1914-15 star, a group of four Second World War medals including one with a bomb and mine clearance bar and a TA Efficient Service medal, a Second World War, Special Constabulary medal, seven other medals and badges including an `Isle of Ely Special Constabulary badge`, a police whistle dated 1917, a scout whistle and various related items
A DFM group of 5:- DFM, 1939/45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star with France and Germany clasp, War and Defence to 1477967 F/Sgt. C. Baldwin RAF, sold together with his Observer`s and Air Gunner`s flying log book, plus various duplicated papers, audio tapes and copy citation "Enemy aircraft followed flight Sgt. Baldwin`s Aircraft for 40 minutes, repeatedly opening fire, the Lancaster was not hit once largely due to the action taken by the pilot on instructions from Flight Sgt. Baldwin." The log runs from 8/1942 to 5/1945, an extract read, "(Dusseldorf). Two orange fighter flares then two red lights. Rattling of bullets up fuselage beneath me. Skipper hurt with splinters, crew check. Back on course then second attack by F.W.190. Railed from stem to stern by cannon shells. Turret went up in shower of sparks. Navigator killed. W/S fatally wounded skipper. Engineer bomb aimer and rear gunner all wounded. Luck still holding. Turret u/s, oxygen u/s. Wireless, intercom, heating, most dials, u/s, flew back in somebody elses hands. Aided by the moon. Had to sit on hands and stamp feet to prevent frost bite. Still bombed target". (See illustration)
A World War II Bomb Aimer and Caterpillar Club member`s group and family medals, comprising 1939-1945 and France and Germany Stars, Defence and War Medals, in postal box of issue [Mr. R. E. Roff]; gold Caterpillar of the Irvin Air Chute Company, set with ruby eyes, back engraved, F/SGT. R. E. ROFF; with membership card (named but undated); R.A.F. Observer`s and Air Gunner`s Flying Log Book [641559 Sgt Roff R], from 15/9/43, but most activity 1944-45, with B Flight, 466 Squdron, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bomber squadron and including, as Air Bomber, "5.3.45 Halifax III `W`, Pilot F/O Swain, Ops Chemnitz - E/R - Severe Icing - Abandoned Aircraft"; also Sight Log Book, 641559 Sgt Roff R, completed only for odd dates in May, 1944; cloth `stripes` and Bomb Aimer`s `wing`9ct; gold tie pin; another, gilt and set with shamrock; black cat mascot; with, to his future wife, Defence and War Medals, in postal box of issue [Miss M. Corkett]; and father-in-law, Word War I, War and Victory Medals [37066 Pte. W. J. Corkett. Bedf. R.]; with assorted badges and buttons, etc. Medals very fine and better. (lot) 256 aircraft took part in the raid on Chemnitz and 11 were reported lost. Roff`s aircraft crashed in the sea near Scarborough with the loss of one life, the remaining crew swimming ashore, 466 Squadron flew its last operational mission on Anzac Day (25th April), 1945. Roff had flown over 207 hours with the squadron, of which 119 hours were night-time operations. The Caterpillar Club was founded by Leslie Irvin in 1922 to honour all whose lives had been saved by parachute. During the War a running total of the number of badges that had been awarded was displayed at their Spirella factory and by VE Day the total had risen to 20,538.
* WWI - Archive of Major L.H. Lloyd, Royal Army Service Corps. Two albums containing numerous original photographs, postcards, maps, war diary, poems, orders, etc. 1914-18, 62 thick card leaves, mounted on both sides with approx. 300 original photographs and real photo postcards and approx. 120 documents, passes, printed orders, maps, original poems, War Diary or Intelligence Summaries, stamps, German billeting notices, christmas cards, invitations to balls, two Mention in Despatch notices etc., all neatly captioned in ink, a few leaves loose, a few minor spots, one half red, one half blue morocco, one upper joint splitting, lightly rubbed, oblong folio. A comprehensive and valuable record of one man`swar. Captain, later Major Lloyd served in Northern France from 1914-1918, the archive going on to 1919 when the British army occupied Cologne. The photographs start with embarkation at Southampton in 1914, arrival in Laventie in France, supplying the front, topography, constructing trenches and barbed wire defences, bomb throwing, shelled buildings, billets, graves, a football match on Christmas Day, 1914, R.F.C. planes and hangars, officers, German prisoners etc. ending with Spa, Antwerp and Cologne in 1919. The documents include several Special Order of the Day`sfrom Field-Marshall Sir Douglas Haig, concert and sporting notices, translations of German orders, regulations, a certificate awarding an Iron Cross, 2nd class, German stamps in occupied Belgium, two manuscript poems, one titled "Our Little dug-out in the Trench" from 2nd Battn, West Yorkshire regiment, a manuscript war diary, from embarkation at Southampton 5 November 1914 to 19 Feb 1915 and two Mention in Despatch notices, 1919. (2)
ENOLA GAY: Signed 10 x 8 photograph by three of the crew members of the Enola Gay, the B-29 Superfortress bomber that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, 6th August 1945 at the end of World War II, comprising Paul Tibbets (pilot), Tom Ferebee (bombardier) and Theodore J. Van Kirk (navigator). The image depicts the three men standing together in their uniforms alongside an aircraft. Each have signed the image in blue ink to clear areas at the head and all have added their positions beneath their signatures. Tibbets has also added Enola Gay in his hand and Ferebee has added the date of 6th August 1945 in his hand. EX
BOCKSCAR: Signed 10 x 8 photograph by eight of the ten man crew of the American Air Force B-29 Bomber that dropped the second Atomic Bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, 8th August 1945, comprising Captain Charles D. Albury (co-pilot), Lieutenant Frederick J. Olivi (third pilot), Captain Kermit Beahan (bombardier), Captain James F. Van Pelt Jr. (navigator), Lieutenant Jacob Beser (radio-countermeasures specialist), Master Sergeant John D. Kuharek (flight engineer), Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Gallagher (mechanic/gunner) and Lt. Cmdr. Frederick L. Ashworth of the US Navy (weaponeer in charge of the bomb). The image shows the crew standing and crouched together in two rows. Signed by the eight individually in blue or black inks to clear areas of the image, many adding their ranks beneath their signatures. VG
Military Cross Medal Group awarded to Major/Flight Lieutenant Bernard Green who took part in `The Great Escape` from Stalag Luft 3 in March 1944. To be sold on the instructions of his daughter Miss J Green and comprising: George V Military Cross, 1914-15 Star (inscribed), 1914-20 War Medal (inscribed) and 1919 Victory Medal with MID leaf spray, 1939-45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, 1939-45 War Medal with MID leaf spray and Special Constabulary Medal for long service. A full set of miniatures, a full set of ribbons and a set of ribbons minus 1935-45 War Medal. Together with World War I associated ephemera and postcard photographs relating to Major Bernard Green, and the East Kent Yeomanry, Royal East Kent mounted Rifles and Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Light Infantry, including a Roll Book belonging to Major Green for No 1 Platoon, `A` Company. World War II ephemera collected by Flt Lt Bernard Green, including items of particular interest relating to `The Great Escape` of which there are photographs of POWs and a collection of `Sweetheart` letters from Stalag Luft 1 (7), Stalag Luft 2 (2) and Stalag Luft 3 (27). A programme and two ticket stubs for the film premiere of `The Great Escape` from the World Charity Premiere screening on 20th June 1963, which Bernard Green attended. Various books relating to `The Great Escape`, including `Scangriff` - Spotlight on Stalag Luft III (2), Brickhill [Flt Lt Paul] - The Great Escape, and Brickhill & Norton - Escape to Danger with inscription by Bernard Green, etc. Also Bernard Green`s RAF officers cap and dress tunic with medal ribbons and `AG` cloth badge and a further collection of related letters, certificates, service books, invitations, services association information, passport, and a collection of vintage postcards. Together with this lot two copies of The Illustrated London News, various books, and a collection of vintage maps and guides, formerly the property of Bernard Green. BERNARD `POP` GREENOn 23rd/24th March 1944, 76 Airmen escaped from POW camp Stalag Luft 3 at Sagan in Poland. Their escape through the tunnel `Harry` and the story of the days that followed became known as `The Great Escape` and has now become part of British folklore.Bernard Green was born in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire on 23rd December 1887.He was educated at Clifton College, London University and Cambridge University.At the outbreak of war in 1914 Bernard joined the Royal East Kent Rifles as a private.He was subsequently commissioned into the Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire light Infantry as a Second Lieutenant in June 1914.In 1917 he was mentioned in despatches, and in 1918 was awarded the Military Cross. He became a specialist machine-gunner, and when he resigned his commission in 1920 he was granted the rank of Major, although modestly it was a title that he very rarely used. Between the war years he worked for the family paper making firm, and in 1926 became a Special Constable, eventually achieving a long service medal.In 1939 at the outbreak of the Second World War Bernard Green applied for a commission as an officer air gunner with the RAF Volunteer Reserve. In December 1939 he took up active service as Pilot Officer 76904, at the RAF Number 3 Bomb Gunnery School.It`s not clear why, in July 1940, at the age of 53 Bernard took up a place as rear gunner on a Hampden bomber. The plane was flying out of R A F Waddington with 44th Squadron on a mine laying mission. It may have been due to shortage of men or his strong sense of duty and loyalty to his squadron. In the early hours of 20th July the Hampden was hit by flak off the coast of Denmark and ditched into the sea in Tannis Bay, 300-400 metres off shore at Kandestederne. Two of the crew perished, but P/O Green and P/S Farrands survived and swam ashore. Later that morning Bernard Green came into contact with a party of local peat cutters and refused the opportunity of concealment from the enemy, as he knew what the consequences would be for his rescuers if found. A unit of German soldiers had been alerted and soon arrived to collect him.Bernard Green was sent to Dulag Luft in Oberursel where he was interrogated and then sent on to Stalag Luft 1 at Barth. Subsequently he was moved to Stalag Luft 3 at Sagan, in Poland.It seems that Bernard Green took a very active part in the daily operations of escape work at Stalag Luft 3. He was a popular character and would have been a father figure to the majority of the much younger men, hence his nickname `Pop`. He was certainly known to have acted as a `penguin` in distributing the waste soil over the compound as tunnel `Harry` took shape. The events of the Great Escape have been well documented and are known to many through John Sturges` classic film. One fact that many are not aware of is that there was thick snow on the ground in that part of Poland in March 1944. Green and others did make their escape after overcoming the shortfall of the tunnel and gathered with a group of about twelve others all dressed as Czech workmen. They walked for some distance through the woods in thick snow and eventually made their way to a railway station south of Sagan. It was from there that they travelled about fifty miles and alighted from the train just short of Hirschberg.Continuing on foot and approaching a village that was impassable because of heavy snow in the fields, Bernard Green was captured by a German soldier as walked straight through the village.Flight Lieutenant Green as he was now known following promotion, was eventually taken back to Stalag Luft 3 and spent 14 days in the "cooler". Sadly, as is well known, many of the escapees were not so lucky. Bernard Green spent the rest of the war at Sagan. At 57 years old he was surely the oldest of the men who attempted such a brave escape.In 1947 Flight Lt Green was mentioned in despatches as published in The London Gazette on 7th January. In June 1963 Bernard and his wife attended the World charity film premiere of `The Great Escape` at the Odeon Theatre, Leicester Square.He died following ill health on 2nd November 1971. The account of the personal military history to be available on view with the items, and facsimile copies of the documents only to handled on view, unless by special arrangement
An interesting collection of WWII aviation memorabilia, photographs and medals, the former property of 1608951 Flt Sergant K.A. Marsh RAF, including two photographic albums and various loose photographs, notably aerial shots including bombing raids, and a shot of a mis-directed bomb glancing off the hull of a B24 Liberator; logs books and diaries, various maps and navigation reference books, 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, War Medal and Defence Medal in postage box to K.A. Marsh.
The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein: an archive of photographs and memorabilia relating to Field Marshal Montgomery, comprising: a photograph album with shots in North Africa of Montgomery and other senior officers, British and American soldiers, artillery, military vehicles, and other interesting studies, three signed by Montgomery; a quantity of loose photographs, mainly of Northern Europe at the time of the allied advance and including Montgomery with senior allied commanders such as General Eisenhower and Churchill, Montgomery talking with other ranks and conducting inspections, bomb damage, broken bridges, aerial shots, Russians parading in Berlin, and other subjects - many with War Office stamps to their reverses; a Union Flag once flown on Montgomery's car and bearing the signatures of numerous members of his staff, mounted in a leather folder together with a signed photograph, also a loose pennon and a photograph of King George VI standing in a staff car; two related commemorative books.
Postcard accumulation in albums including subsidence, Northwich 1906 animated street scenes, social history, silks including bomb damage Albert 1914, shipping, fishing, Napoleon, novelty, early undivided backs, artist drawn, Louis Wain, horses, hunting, Royalty, Mabel Lucie Attwell, Bonzo, children, animals, Colchester and other local towns (qty)
WORLD WAR II: Two A.Ls.S., David, by an unidentified officer serving on H.M.S. Hood, eight pages (total), 4to, n.p. (at sea), 20th October n.y. (1939) and 26th July 1940, each to his cousin, Cynthia Atherton Brown, on the blue printed stationery of H.M.S. Hood. The officer writes two interesting letters, in part, 'You look terrific as the decontamination girl-tin hat and all!...Life here is cold and pretty monotonous though we have had one or two excitements. The King and Winston Churchill have both been onboard, the latter gave us a few well chosen words, and was well up to form. We have also had a bomb dropped quite close to us, bits of it came on board but didn't damage anybody...' (20th October 1939), 'There is certainly a mother and father of a scrap coming off soon, and Hitler is going to have the surprise of his life-we must admit he's made very good going to date and done just as he predicted, but he's going to come a hell of a cropper at his last fence, I don't think he likes water very much!... Of course you have got to scrap like hell to fix the Bosche when he does come over, but its just the stuff to drive the Bosche into the sea at the point of the bayonet and give him some of his own medicine. In the meanwhile we'll set about starving Europe out this winter! A pleasant thought! But it is undoubtedly what the duty of the Navy is-and there is also no doubt that millions will starve this winter and I can't see America helping them out....Haven't the French got a prize collection of gangsters ruling them now, they really are hand picked! God help the ordinary Frenchman, they are in for the devil of a time.' (26th July 1940). Both letters are accompanied by the original envelopes. VG, 2 H.M.S. Hood was sunk in combat with the German Battleship Bismarck at the Battle of Denmark Strait on 24th May 1941. Of the 1418 crew members only three survived.
DALUEGE KURT: (1897-1946) Deputy Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia, one of only four men to hold the rank of SS Oberst-Gruppenfuhrer. T.L.S., K. Daluege, one page, 4to, Berlin, 3rd November 1943, to Heinrich (Himmler) on his personal printed stationery. Daluege states that he is enclosing the latest report (no longer present) on his Operational Staff Unit II, led by Major Jurk. He continues 'You can see from the report just how great the achievements of Jurk's operational staff have been. The men of this unit constitute an exceptional construction team and can therefore be employed...in our great tasks for the SS and the Police!'. Daluege further praises his old and loyal comrade and friend, remarking, 'Leadership is, of course, always the decisive factor in the staff unit, and here I must once again express my fullest appreciation of Major Jurk', in concluding he adds 'Just now we have such a pressing need for these workers to deal with bomb damaged SS and Police Headquarters, if we are to continue to exercise our command activities in these premises. Jurk has shown that, with his operational staff unit, he is exceptionally good in that field'. Two file holes to left edge, otherwise VG
WHITTLE FRANK: (1907-1996) English Royal Air Force Officer, inventor of the jet engine. Signed 26 x 22.5 colour print entitled Meteor strikes its first blow by artist Frank Wootton, depicting a Meteor EE216 flown by F/O Dean flipping over a V1 bomb with its wing to score its first combat success on 4th August 1944. Limited Edition number 122 of 850 published to benefit the Battle of Britain museum, 1981. Signed in bold pencil to the lower border by Frank Whittle, F/O Dean and the artist, Frank Wootton. EX
WALLIS BARNES: (1887-1979) English Scientist & Inventor of the bouncing bomb used in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid), 16th May 1943. Signed 21.5 x 20 colour print entitled Lancaster-Attack on the Mohne Dam-16th/17th May 1943 by artist Frank Wootton. Limited Edition number 24 of 850 published to benefit the RAF Museum Appeal, 1977. Signed in bold pencil to the lower white border by both Barnes Wallis and the artist, Frank Wootton. A couple of light surface creases to the white border, otherwise VG
SPAFFORD FREDERICK: (1918-1943) Australian Flying Officer, Bomb Aimer on AJ-G 'George' during Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid), 16th May 1943. Spafford was killed in action on 16th September 1943. Rare, bold fountain pen ink signature ('F. M. Spafford, RAAF') on a small, slim slightly irregularly clipped piece. Neatly laid down to a white card and mounted alongside a biography, magazine photograph etc. G
A second quarter of the 19th Century Mahogany cased 8-day floor standing Household Regulator, unsigned, the hood with overhanging cornice, over freestanding baluster columns, to an ogee throat and a plain frieze to a shaped short trunk door, flanked by quarter reeded columns, and raised on a plain plinth base, to a glazed door with Brass bezel, enclosing a 13½" painted Roman dial, with outside minute track and enclosing subsidiaries for seconds with black painted spade hands, to a movement with plates united by four knoped pillars with deadbeat escapement with strike on bell, to a wooden stemmed pendulum with large Brass face lead bob and a pair of "Mortar Bomb" cast iron weights, height 78"
A collection of thirty-five pieces of W H Goss Crested ware to include various cauldrons, bowls, ashtrays, tygs also a model of Chicken Rock Lighthouse, Isle of Man, battle of Largs Tower, Norwegian horse shaped beer bowl, incendiary bomb dropped at Maldon 16th April 1915 from a German Zeppelin, etc
A pattern 1821 Volunteer Artillery Officer's Sword in Scabbard. Steel three bar guard with slot for sword knot near the pommel. Wood grip covered in black fishskin and bound with silver wire. The slightly curved, flat backed blade has a single fuller to each side to within 10.25 of the double edged spear point. The blade is etched over two thirds of its length with a foliate design. The right side of the blade is etched "VOLUNTEER ARTILLERY" and the left side with a flaming bomb and artillery piece. The left side of the ricasso is etched with the maker's name "FIRMIN & SONS, 153 STRAND, LONDON". Manufactured 1839. Steel scabbard with two suspension rings. Blade 32".
Schutte-Lanz SL11, Six Photographs by H.Scott Orr, the six positions of the shooting down of the SL11, by Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson, V.C., 39 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, over Cuffley, Hertfordshire September 1916, each mounted on card, stamped to the reverse, for the photographer with his address 'The Studio, High Road, Woodford Green, dated 3-Sep 1916. London Gazette 5th September 1916. War Office 5th September 1916. His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned officer, Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson, Worcestershire Regiment and Royal Flying Corps, for most conspicuous bravery. He attacked an enemy airship under circumstances of great difficulty and danger, and sent it to the ground as a flaming wreck, he had been in the air for more than two hours and had previously attacked another airship during his flight. On the afternoon of the 2nd September 1916, sixteen airships from the German Naval/Army Division, set out for England on what was going to be the biggest air raid of the war, amongst them the SL11, recently built at the Lanz factory at Liepzig, commanded by Hauptmann Wilhelm Schramm, an experienced airship captain who knew the area he was about to bomb better than most of his colleagues, having been born at Old Charlton, Kent. At 23.00 hours the RFC Defence squadrons were put on alert and a welcoming party was prepared, Robinson was first away in his BE2c, although the night sky was full of thick fog, he was convinced it would be clearer higher up, and after loading three drums of Brock and Pommeroy ammunition, he took off safely and disappeared into the mist. Schramm's SL11 had approached London from the North, having passed over Royston and Hitchin, it began its destruction of North London, the Finsbury and Victoria Park searchlights caught her over Alexandra Palace, and the gunners filled the air around the ship with explosives, hundreds of spectators watched from the ground, but no matter how close the shell's burst they seemed to have no effect, then the crowds fell silent, an aircraft had appeared, running a gauntlet of fire, Robinson had appeared from nowhere and was heading straight for the SL11, he had his first drum of Brock and Pommeroy ready, and riddled the airships entire length with bullets, again and again he loaded and racked the massive craft, but to no effect, to the thousands watching it seemed as though a midge was fluttering around a lamp, and then suddenly a dull pink glow from the rear of the ship, and within seconds, the entire hull was ablaze, the hydrogen had ignited, with a brilliance that turned the night sky into day, it was 2.30 in the morning on Sunday 3rd September, and 12,500 feet above London a German airship had been destroyed. For thousands of people it was without doubt the most memorable events of the entire war, it is difficult to imagine one man achieving anything more spectacular, the blazing wreckage of SL11 slowly fell to earth, but before it even reached the ground the whole of London was celebrating in boistrous fashion, William Leefe Robinson was a national hero, and the authorities at last had a home defence hero, a ' Zepp Straffer' who had transformed the battle in the air over Britain. Visit www.dnfa.com for condition reports.
A Collection of Trench Art, including two paper knives, the blades engraved "Souvenior from Dunkerque" and "1919 Souvenir France", with bullet handles, a table lighter made from a mortar bomb applied with a regimental crest; a shell with engraved inscription "Shell fired from a British Anti-Aircraft Gun....", ten various shell cases and an army issue shovel
MARTIN HAROLD: (1918-1988) Australian Air Marshal with the RAF, participated in Operation Chastise, the Dambusters Raid, 1943. A colour 24 x 20 print by artist Robert Taylor entitled The Dambusters depicting Martin piloting his bomber aircraft, having just released the bouncing bomb. Signed ('Mick Martin') in bold pencil with his name alone to the lower border beneath the image. Rolled, VG
DOUGLAS-HOME ALEC: (1903-1995) British Prime Minister 1963-64. Interesting T.L.S., Alec Douglas-Home, two pages, 4to, London, 19th September 1972, to Sidney Shipton (1929-2008, Interfaith Activist, General Secretary of the Zionist Federation), on the printed stationery of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Douglas-Home thanks his correspondent for their letter about terrorist activity and continues 'The messages sent by the Prime Minister and myself to the Israeli authorities after the Munich atrocities....can have left Arab governments in no doubt that, in our view, acts of terrorism by the extremist Palestinian organisations warrant the most vigorous condemnation. This is not only because they are intrinsically evil but also because they cannot fail to put off the realisation of a settlement of the Arab/Israel dispute, based on the Security Council Resolution of November 1967, which would bring real peace to the area and give the Palestinians their due.' Douglas-Home continues to refer to measures the United Nations are proposing against international terrorism which the government support. Loosely attached to the letter are three associated photocopies taken from Hansard, 27th July 1972. Together with a second T.L.S., Alec Douglas-Home, two pages, 4to, London, 20th September 1972, to Sidney Shipton, on the printed stationery of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Douglas-Home thanks his correspondent for a telegram and confirms that he has conveyed to the Israel Foreign Minister 'my shock and distress at the outrageous act of terrorism at the Israel Embassy yesterday which resulted in the tragic death of Dr. Shachori.' He continues 'There is no question about HMG's attitude towards terrorism, whatever its source. We have made our position absolutely clear in the United Nations.' and further explains the discussions that they are actively involved in with other organisations and the European Community to find 'ways in which we can together combat terrorist activities in Europe more effectively.' Accompanied by a copy of Shipton's telegram, issued in the form of a press release, and an admission ticket to a public rally and demonstration on The Lessons of the Munich Martyrs organised by The Zionist Federation on 19th September 1972. VG, 2. On 5th September 1972 a band of "Black September" Arab Guerillas had broken into the Israeli building in the Olympic Village near Munich and murdered several Israeli athletes and taken others hostage, demanding the release of 200 Palestinians held in Israeli jails. On 19th September, as referred to in Douglas-Home's letter, an Israeli diplomat was killed in London by a letter bomb perpetrated by "Black September".
A WWII German wood lined silver cigar/cigarette box, 8½" x 5¾" x 1½", the lid engraved "DEM I. KOMMANDEUR DER I./LEHRGESCHWADER 1. 1.11.39-5.7.40", facsimile signatures of personnel, a cartoon of a grinning winged bomb, and names of various places including Wesendorf, Rye, Dusseldorf, and Brussel, the base bearing "800" mark and maker's mark "JF". GC
Orsbridge, Philip These historical views of ye last glorious expedition of his Britannic majesty's ships and forces against the Havannah. [London, c.1765]. Folio, engraved frontispiece, 12 engraved plates by Canot and Mason after D. Serres, 50 x 74.5cm, each plate framed and glazed, some light foxing to plates, plates laid down on backing boards Note: A series of depictions from the last major operation of the Seven Years War, 1756–63. The Capture of Havana was part of England's offensive against Spain when she entered the war in support of France late in 1761. The British Government's response was immediately to plan large offensive amphibious operations against Spanish overseas possessions, particularly Havana, the capital of the western dominions and Manila, the capital in the east. Havana needed large forces for its capture and early in 1762 ships and troops were dispatched under Admiral Sir George Pocock and General the Earl of Albemarle. The force that descended on Cuba consisted of 22 ships of the line, four 50-gun ships, three 40-gunners, a dozen frigates and a dozen sloops and bomb vessels. In addition there were troopships, storeships, and hospital ships. Pocock took this great fleet of about 180 vessels from Jamaica and sailed through the dangerous Old Straits of Bahama to take Havana by surprise. "Overall, the enterprise has been rated a masterpiece of planning, amphibious warfare, and naval prowess." (ODNB) Philip Orsbridge was a lieutenant on board the Orford at the capture of Havana and he recorded in drawings the events as they unfolded. On his return to London he decided to turn his sketches to advantage by publishing them. Influenced by the policies of George Anson, First Lord of the Admiralty from 1749 to 1762, who encouraged men like Orsbridge to improve themselves through scientific inquiry and draftsmanship. (Monks, S. 2005)