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Medical StaffSouth Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1878-9 (Civil Surgn. E. R. Mansell.), nearly extremely fine, with named card box of issue8 Medals with '1878-9' clasp issued to Civil Surgeons of the Army Medical Department.Edward Rosser Mansell was born on 28 January 1853, son of Edward Mansell of Lonsdale Lodge, Dulwich, an auctioneer and surveyor. Sent to Dulwich College, he went to Guys Hospital in 1870 and qualified L.S.A. in 1876 & MRCS in 1877.With the outbreak of the Zulu War, he served with various units including the Field Hospital forming part of Pearson’s No. 1 Column. Together with Surgeons Henry Norbury (see Lot 144) & Thompson, R.N., Mansell tended the wounded during the Siege of Eshowe.Returned home he practiced as a Hospital Surgeon in Hastings from 1881 and was made a Justice of the Peace in 1901. Married with issue of four children, Mansell died in May 1924 and is buried at Hastings Cemetery.…

The impressive C.B.E., M.V.O., M.S.M. group of eleven awarded to Lieutenant-Commander A. W. Stone, Royal Navy, who served at the Battle of Heligoland Blight, was twice 'mentioned' during the First World War, later Royal Household Assistant Secretary and Chief Accountant of the Privy Purse, Sergeant-at-Arms to King Geroge VI and Queen Elizabeth II, who carried the mace at Her Majesty's Coronation in 1953The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Civil Division, 2nd Type Commander's (C.B.E.) neck Badge, by Garrard & Co., silver-gilt and enamel, on length of neck riband, in its case of issue; The Royal Victorian Order, 4th Class Member's (M.V.O.) breast Badge, by Collingwood Jewellers, reverse numbered '1526'; 1914-15 Star (346080, A. W. Stone, Wr. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals with M.I.D. oak leaves (346080 A. W. Stone Ch. Wr. R.N.); Defence Medal; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; Coronation 1953; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (346080. A. W. Stone. Ch. Wtr. H.M.S. Cormorant.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R. (346080. A. W. Stone, Ch. Wtr. "Curaco" Services During War.), mounted together as worn excluding C.B.E., some contact marks and a few lightly polished, otherwise very fine overall (11)M.S.M. London Gazette 24 June 1919.M.I.D. London Gazette 23 October 1914; 11 August 1917.Albert William Stone was born on 20 June 1888 in Gosport, Hampshire, the third of four children born to Private Albert Stone and his wife Rebecca. Albert Stone Senior was a Private in the Portsmouth Division of the Royal Marine Light Infantry, later dying in the service at Portsea in 1892 after having taken part in the Witu Expedition in East Africa.The younger Stone received a naval education and attended the Royal Hospital School at Greenwich, a school for the sons of poor sailors, where he learned navigation and seamanship skills. The school was known as the 'cradle of the Navy' for producing notable officers and personnel. He later enlisted into the Royal Navy in May 1903, when he was fifteen years old, as a Boy Writer with the H.M.S. Duke of Wellington naval barracks. Stone enjoyed a number of postings, including aboard Majestic, Caesar, Firequeen, Victory, Hecla, Forward, and Skirmisher as he moved through the clerical ranks. Upon the outbreak of the First World War, he was serving as a Writer 1st Class aboard H.M.S. Amethyst. Stone was likely a member of Commodore Reginald Tyrwhitt's personal staff as he followed him nearly exactly from ship to ship, thus serving with a wide variety of Harwich Force cruisers during the War.The Battle of Heligoland Bight on 28 August 1914 - the first naval battle of the War between the British and the Germans - saw Stone mentioned in dispatches for service during the action whilst aboard the light cruiser H.M.S. Arethusa. Arethusa was Tyrwhitt's flagship during the battle, and played an active role in the naval engagement. She helped to sink two German torpedo boats early that morning, and was badly damaged by the German defence. By the end of the day Britain scored a decisive victory, losing just 35 men to Germany's 1,500. Stone was still serving aboard Arethusa when she was mined off the coast of Felixstowe two years later on 11 February 1916, eventually running aground and breaking up. He next served aboard H.M.S. Cleopatra while she served in the raid on the German naval airship base at Tondern, also sinking German destroyer G-194, before colliding with fellow naval ship Undaunted in March 1919. After repairs, she took part in operations against the German naval bombardment of Lowestoft in April 1916 and numbered one of Tyrwhitt's force that found the German cruisers carrying out the raid. Stone thereafter joined the Harwich Force cruiser H.M.S. Carysfort in May 1916 when she was patrolling the North Sea and the Strait of Dover. This was but a brief appointment, and he was then with Centaur that September, also in the Harwich Force, and then on to her sister-ship H.M.S. Concord in February 1917. He was with her that June when she sank the German torpedo boat S20 in the North Sea. During this time, Stone was mentioned in despatches for the second time. His final wartime posting was aboard H.M.S. Curacao, the flagship of the 5th cruiser squadron in the Harwich Force, where he earned his M.S.M. for war time services. After the close of the First World War, Stone joined H.M.S. Cormorant with whom he received his L.S. & G.C.. He was finally advanced to Chief Petty Officer Writer while serving with Victory II in 1924, and was later promoted Warrant Writer on 5 December 1927 upon his retirement from the service. The exact date Stone was appointed to the Royal Household is not known, but he served in the office of the Privy Purse until his well-deserved retirement at age 69 in July 1957. He was appointed to the 5th Class of the Royal Victorian Order in January 1938 and was later promoted to the 4th Class in 1947, with the insignia being presented to him personally by King George VI. Stone was Chief Accountant but also acted as Serjeant-at-Arms under King George from 1947, and later for Queen Elizabeth II as well. He attended the Queen's Coronation in 1953, for which he carried the Mace as part of the Duke of Edinburgh's escort. He can be seen in the famous newsreel film of the event, as well as numerous photographs. Throughout his tenure with the Royal Household, Stone was awarded various foreign decorations from state visits and in January 1954 received his C.B.E..His long and illustrious career in the Royal Navy was supplemented by an equally illustrious career for the Royal Household. Stone finally retired in 1957, and later died in Durham on 27 August 1974 at Woodside House, the home of his niece with whom he was residing.Sold together with an original archive comprising:i)The recipient's dress miniatures: 1914-15 Star; British War and Victory Medals with M.I.D. oak leaves; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R.; M.S.M., G.V.R.; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, mounted as worn, and Coronation 1953, mounted individually as worn, very fine (8) with some extra ribandsii)Fitted case for 4th Class M.V.O., by Collingwood Jewellersiii)Photo of Queen Elizabeth II with facsimile message and signature presented to Royal Household staff upon the occasion of her Coronation, framed but missing glassiv)The Illustrated London News, Coronation 1953 magazine with colour platesv)Booklet 'Statutes on the Order of the British Empire 1948'vi)Official Warrant for the appointment of 'Albert William Stone Esquire' to be Commander of the Order of the British Empire, signed by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philipvii)Binder of comprehensive copied research and photographs, including a newspaper cutting of a photograph of Stone holding the Mace on the St. James's Palace Balcony as part of the Coronation ceremony, wearing his medals…

The photograph and scrapbook of Captain J. E. Fairburn, O.B.E., Shanghai Municipal Police, Singapore Police & Royal Malaysia Police - the son of the legendary Lieutenant-Colonel W. E. Fairburn, co-inventor of the Sykes-Fairburn fighting knife, well-used by allied irregular forces during the Second World WarScrapbook/photograph album, marbled covers with cloth spine, including various school photographs and cuttings, 1926-27 & 1932 Shanghai 'troubles' (including captured troops, battle scenes, aftermath of bombings), landings and searching for smuggling, scenes of various S.V.C. individuals, travels in Europe & China, binding rather worn but a valuable resource of unpublished imagesJohn Edwin Fairburn was born on 27 February 1914 at Shanghai, son of William Ewart Fairburn, Assistant Commissioner Shanghai Municipal Police. Educated at Shoreham Grammar School, he was in the School Cadet Corps and also in the Shanghai Volunteer Corps Cadets afterwards. Serving in the Shanghai Police Force and Municipal Council Finance Department from June 1940, he thence served in Singapore as Officer Commanding Provost Unit, 11th Indian Division and was taken a Prisoner of War in February 1942. Having been released at the end of hostilities he joined the Special Branch in Malaya and was also earned the C.P.M. (London Gazette 7 June 1951, refers) and the O.B.E. (Civil Division) whilst Assistant Commissioner, Royal Malaysia Police (London Gazette 13 June 1964, refers). He died at Looe, Cornwall in November 1977.…

Sold by Order of a Direct DescendantThe very complete 1985 C.B.E. and 'Arctic Convoys' group of nine awarded to Sub Lieutenant J. R. S. Homan, Royal Navy, who served on the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Tracker, latterly Industrial Director of the National Economic Development OfficeThe Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Civil Division, 2nd Type, Commander's (C.B.E.) neck Badge, silver and silver-gilt, with full and miniature neck ribbons, in case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Arctic Star, with its named box of issue; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, these five mounted as worn; together with Russia, Soviet Union, Ushakov Medal, reverse officially numbered '5182' with accompanying named certificate in case of issue; Russia, 70th and 75th Anniversary of the Great Patriotic War Medals, with accompanying named award certificates, good very fine (9)C.B.E. London Gazette 15 June 1985.John Richard Seymour Homan - or "Dick" to his friends and comrades - was born at Burley, Hampshire on 7 January 1925, the son of Captain Charles Edward Homan. He was initially educated at a pre-prep school in London then to St. Wilfrid's, Seaford in Sussex and in 1938 he attended Radley College before entering the Royal Navy in 1943 as a Midshipman. Classified as an 'Executive Special' he was posted to the Admiralty in London working in the personnel department. Requesting active service, he was posted to Tracker, an aircraft carrier, where he was given the job of plotting U-boat locations.Tracker served as an escort during 1943-1944 for North Atlantic and Arctic convoys. She originally carried Swordfish torpedo-bombers and Seafire fighters of No. 816 (Naval Air) Squadron, in January 1944, switching to the Grumman Avengers and Grumman Wildcats of No. 846 (Naval Air) Squadron. In April 1944, her aircraft, together with those from Activity were responsible for the sinking of the U-288 east of Bear Island, during convoy JW-58.On 10 June 1944, while part of the antisubmarine screen of the Western Approaches Command for the D-Day landings, she collided with a River-class frigate of the Royal Canadian Navy, Teme, causing damage to both ships. Tracker continued operations despite stove-in bows until 12 June 1944. Thereafter, she was repaired and partially refitted in Liverpool, until 7 September 1944. On 8 December 1944, the ship sailed to the United States to be used as an aircraft transport and spent the remainder of the war ferrying aircraft and personnel in the Pacific.Homan recounted her tenth and last convoy patrol to Murmansk in October 1944, in an interview he gave in 2020:'We escorted a Russian convoy to Murmansk. The Germans could by this time no longer use the west coast of France because of the Allied invasion, and so many U boats were sent to the Arctic. We were in a powerful convoy with three aircraft carriers, 25 other warships and about 28 merchant ships. Many of the merchant ships came from the U.S.A., carrying food and military equipment for the Russians, everything from planes, tanks, guns and ammunition down to boots.Despite the size of the convoy the U boats didn't know we were there until we got to the north of Norway, so the first part was peaceful. I say peaceful but, at that time of year, it was dark most of the day and pretty stormy and very cold. Twilight was about 1pm. We would fall back from the convoy to fly off our aircraft. The bravery of those pilots was incredible.Many were in exposed open cockpits and would have to take off from their carrier surging up and down in a rough sea. One of our aircraft got lost and had to break radio silence. That alerted Berlin who sent a wolf pack of U boats after us. We were heading due east and Berlin anticipated, quite correctly, that we would change our course to southeast, which is where the U boats went. However, London picked up Berlin's signal and instructed us to continue travelling east. The U boats missed us. It was not a complete triumph.Sending our aircraft after the U boats we were equipped with some wonderful new secret weapon, which unfortunately bounced harmlessly off the conning tower. I remember one disappointed pilot coming back and saying, "there goes my DSC". It was quite unusual that the convoy completed its journey there and back without loss of a single ship. I didn't realise until after the war that the Admiralty instruction to change from our original course was based on information from Bletchley. We had been unaware of Bletchley's existence.'U.S. Navy loan: December 1944 - July 1945Tracker left Greenock on 8 December 1944 and reached New York in time for Christmas, she was to stay there until New Year's Eve when she put to sea headed for the Panama Canal and reached San Diego on 17 January 1945. Here the ship's company received the same levels of hospitality they had enjoyed at Portland while the ship was being built. Books, magazines, music, sports kit, and more were donated to the ship for the men's 'comforts' by the Red Cross and U.S. Armed Forces Institute.After a week in San Diego, Tracker moved to San Pedro for the next five days, and opportunity was taken for the crew to experience Hollywood and film stars 'popped in' to visit the ship. By the end of January, she was full of aircraft and passengers bound for Hawaii and American bases in the Pacific. Her first voyage in the transport role took her to the Admiralty Isles and New Guinea in then back in San Diego, arriving back there on 20 March, a round trip of 13,424 miles taking two months. On the return trips Tracker carried U.S. personnel and casualties back to Pearl Harbour.Her second transport run was to Guam and Saipan in the Mariana Islands in April, during this trip the news of President Roosevelt's death reached the ship and her passengers, a memorial service was held on board. V.E. day, 8 May 8, was celebrated on the last leg from Hawaii three days out from San Diego and the end of a 13,020-mile trip.Tracker's third trip took her to the Marshal Islands and back, a shorter, 10,000 miles haul from 12 June-8 July. This was her last operation for the U.S. Navy, she had ferried 300 aircraft and 100 passengers in her three voyages and had steamed 36,000 miles across the Pacific. After storing ship Tracker was to proceed back to Britain, leaving San Diego on 13 Friday having exchanged a few crew members with her sister C.V.E. Atheling, also on transport duties; those men on Atheling who qualified for release under the recently announced 'Age & Service Release Scheme', with Tracker's 'newbies' filling their billets. She reached Norfolk, Virginia on 27 July and New York three days after.Homeward boundThis was to be Tracker's last east bound crossing, carrying on board American wives of British Naval personnel, evacuated children, and over a hundred members of the Fleet Air Arm from the Air Station in New Brunswick which was closing down. She made Greenock on 9 August and disembarked her passengers; work began almost immediately de-storing Tracker in preparation for her final voyage, her return to the U.S. Navy, her service with the Royal Navy ending.The war over, Homan read classics at Christ Church College, Oxford from 1946 graduating with a degree in philosophy, politics and economics. A keen oarsman during his time at the House was part of the team who won Head of the River in 1948. He was a lifelong member of Christ Church Boat Club.Homan joined the I.C.I. with whom he spent the bulk of his working career. He married The Hon. Mary Graham Buckley, daug…

Sold by Order of a Direct DescendantThe unique and superbly well-documented 'Far East Communication Squadron 1950' A.F.M. group of seven awarded to Master Signaller J. B. C. Browne, Royal Air Force, who was awarded his Nuclear Test Medal for the 'Christmas Airways' flights to Christmas Island during Operation GrappleBrowne's remarkable career saw him flying during the Second World War, earning his A.F.M. in the east for flights which included missions to China redacted from his service papers and flying the Royal Couple during their 1961 Royal Tour of NepalAir Force Medal, G.VI.R. (571907 Sig. I. J. B. C. Browne. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Malaya, Arabian Peninsula (571907 Sig. I.A. J. B. C. Browne. R.A.F.), the second detached in its named box of issue; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R. (M. Sig. J. B.C. Browne. (571907) R.A.F.); Nuclear Test Medal, unnamed as issued, the first six mounted as worn, the last in its named box of issue, sold together with a large archive including the recipient's flying log books, minor contact wear to sixth, overall good very fine (7)A.F.M. London Gazette 8 June 1950, the original recommendation states:'Signaller I Browne joined the Squadron in October, 1948, having been in Japan from October, 1947, and has been employed as a V.I.P. Signaller. He is a first class non-commissioned officer with exceptional technical ability, having consistently held an 'A' category since August, 1946. During the last six months he has completed 300 flying hours on some of the most important flights assigned to this Squadron, and he has also extended his 'A' category to cover York aircraft as well as the Dakota, the type in which he is primarily signaller and, on numerous long distance flights during his tour of duty in the Far East Communication Squadron, he has carried out his duties in an exemplary manner. He has shown ability, coolness and enthusiasm and is an outstanding non-commissioned officer.'Note the Recipient's Flying Log Book for the period of 1947-1952 is missing, it is believed to have been recalled owning to a redacted mission in China rather than misplaced or lost.John Blake Cameron Browne (who later changed his surname to Howard) was born in Kensington, London on 19 February 1922, the son of Andrew and Wilhelmina 'Billy' Browne. His father was a former professional soldier who served as a Sergeant-Major with the Essex Regiment and was seriously wounded in the leg at Gallipoli. He appears to have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and left the family in 1929 leaving his wife to raise the children herself. The young Browne received only a basic education however this was enough for him to pass the entrance tests for an apprenticeship at R.A.F. Halton on 24 August 1937.He was initially posted to the Electrical and Wireless School before transferring to No. 2 Wireless School on 26 March 1938. He must have proven himself a quick learner as he was soon selected to leave Halton for Cranwell, where he specialised as a Signaller. He was still there on the outbreak of the Second World War on 3 September 1940, they spent the day dispersing the aircraft around the perimeter of the airfield in case of air raids.The Second World WarQualifying as Wireless Electrical Mechanic on 29 January 1940, Browne reached his majority the next month on 19 February and was appointed Aircraftman Class I the same day. Posted first to No. 29 Squadron and advanced Leading Aircraftman on 1 April 1940 he served with them at R.A.F. Digby. Here he was on the receiving end of several bombing raids, being promoted Corporal on 31 December 1940. The Squadron re-equipped with Bristol Beaufighters to replace their old Blenheims not long later.Transferring to R.A.F. Pembury he undertook an air gunner's course, becoming qualified on 6 January 1943 and advanced Sergeant on 7 January. Joining No. 10 Radio School Carew Cheriton, he served there until 17 February 1943 when he was posted to Coastal Command's 131 Operational Training Unit which was located on Loch Erne in Northern Ireland. There he had his first flight on a Catalina flying boat on 18 February.Having qualified, Browne was posted to the newly formed 265 Squadron based in Northern Madagascar. After a gruelling journey across Africa, he finally reached the posting in early June and began to undertake fleet escort and search and rescue missions as Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Racking up increasing Operational flying time in December he had 250 hours and was advanced Flight Sergeant on 6 January 1944.Over the next year he was to continue in this role, adding Meteorological Flights to his duties. The last of Browne's wartime flying was with 265 Squadron having undertaken 562 hours of Operational flight with them and an impressive 1076 hours in total. Posted to R.A.F. Wymeswold on 5 May 1945, he arrived on 8 May - V.E. Day - to discover the station all but deserted, the guard on the front gate informed him that everyone was celebrating in the pub.V.I.P. Flying, a Redacted Mission and a Crash LandingBrowne retrained with Douglas Dakotas and was soon posted to 147 Squadron, flying for Transport Command. This Squadron flew from Britain to Europe allowing Browne to assemble a collection of European banknotes which he stuck into his log books.Joining 24 Squadron for V.I.P. transport flights in October 1946 he was posted to the British Commonwealth Air Force in Japan the following year. The next year Browne again moved, this time to the Far East Communications Squadron. Two months after he joined them a period of one week on his service records is redacted, this combined with his missing log book covering this period is suggestive of a clandestine mission. The cataloguer must leave it to the reader to imagine the nature of this work however it occurred at a time that Browne was known to have been flying to China, then embroiled in the Civil War.Returning to Britain in April 1950 he was awarded the Air Force Medal at R.A.F. North Luffenham for his work with the Far East Communication Squadron. His work there had also entitled him to the Malaya bar for his General Service Medal however this would not be issued at the time and Browne was to receive the G.S.M. for a separate campaign. Joining 242 Operational Conversion Unit as a Trainer and he was recommended a Commission at that point however he rejected the offer, feeling that he preferred his role as a Warrant Officer.Returning to No. 24 Squadron on 6 December 1953 he rang in the new year with a promotion to Master Signaller on 31 December. One of his early flights here on 22 May 1954 was transporting Anthony Eden (then Foreign Secretary) and Lord Ismay (then Secretary General of Nato) from Geneva to Paris and thence to Britain. A further flight in July almost led to disaster as the crew lost their way between Suffield, Alberta and Britain. An S.O.S. signal was sent out and after a tense period of waiting were picked up by a passing liner which was able to give them their co-ordinates, with their available fuel they were just able to make an emergency stop at the Azores Islands.That same year he performed trips to Australia which included the transport of material and personnel involved in the developing Nuclear programme. During one routine training mission the next year out of R.A.F. Abingdon the Hastings aircraft Browne was flying in crashed on landing. Fortunately the crew were all unharmed although the aircraft itself lost a wing. The next year he transferred to No. 47 Squadron flying mostly to the Middle East, Cyprus and Malta.Christmas Island Airways and Operation GrappleBrowne had alr…

Shanghai Municipal Council Emergency Medal 1937, bronze (Sgt. W. W. Graham S.M.P.), engraved between rays, good very fineWilliam Walter Graham was born on 1 October 1902, son of Herbert and Constance, of 53 Kelmscott Road, Wandsworth. Graham joined the British Army circa 1919 and went to India and thence onto Shanghai. It is assumed he served in the Shanghai Defence Force 1927-28 and joined the Shanghai Municipal Police in 1928 (Constable No. 813). Promoted Sergeant in 1931, he married Alda Madeira and they lived at Embankment Building, overlooking the Soochow Creek - which would offer a good viewpoint for the following troubles.Graham would have been on active service during the August-November 1937 emergency (Medal) and then took long leave from February-July 1939 with his wife and (by now) two children. Promoted Sub-Inspector (North China Herald, 12 June 1940 refers) and added to the Foreign Affairs Team as part of the Western Area Police Force, things were to take a severe turn.Following the uncontested invasion of Shanghai by the Japanese on 8 December 1941, life continued comparatively unchanged and the Municipal Police were required to maintain the administration, under the Shanghai Provisional Council of 1941 Under considerable pressure from the United States Administration, the foreign Extra Territorial Treaties, which had established the China Treaty ports in the 19th century including Shanghai (except that for Hong Kong), were abrogated on 11 January 1943 by the Treaty Between His Majesty in Respect of the United Kingdom and India and His Excellency the President of the National Government of the Republic of China for the Relinquishment of Extra-Territorial Rights in China and the Regulation of Related Matters - so that at the end of the Japanese War Shanghai, and other occupied treaty ports would be returned to the Chinese Government (KMT) in Nanking.This also had the effect of terminating the Police service contacts - in Graham's case on 22 February 1943.That same month, Graham and other expatriate members of allied countries were put into one of the internment camps - described as Civil Assembly Centres.The Graham family were interned in the Yu Yuen Road camp which, like Ash Camp, held a large number of former Shanghai Municipal Council employees. Located at 404 Yu Yuen Road, it was composed of the grounds and buildings of the former Western District Public School and the Shanghai Public School for Girls. "G Block", the Girls' School, next to the Fire Station, and "B Block", the Boys' School, and "T Camp" were temporary wooden huts along Tifeng Road , which had been constructed to house British troops during emergencies. Some 972 internees were held at Yu Yuen Road throughout the internment period. Internees were moved near the end of the war to Yangtzepoo, finally being discharged from the Lunghwa Camp in August 1945. As a result of the British/China treaty of 1943 - at the end of the Pacific War, when the employees of the Municipal Council, civil servants, Police, Fire etc. came out of the internment camps in August and September 1945, they were unemployed. Some managed to obtain jobs in Shanghai and Hong Kong, but the majority returned the their home, which the Grahams did on the Tamaroa on 22 November 1945.Although compensation was paid by the British Foreign Office to former Council employees covering the loss of their pension rights - Graham received £841 6s 5d being his superannuation funds - that for loss of property continued for years, mostly unsuccessfully. The family settled in Peterborough where Graham worked for Baker Perkins Ltd, manufacturers of food processing equipment. He died on 12 December 1961.…

A Second World War D.F.M. awarded to Flight Lieutenant W. Woodhouse, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who was decorated for his gallantry as a Navigator in No. 57 Squadron, his operational tour including the famous daylight raid on Le Creusot in October 1942 and four trips to the 'Big City'Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1166133 F./Sgt. W. Woodhouse, R.A.F.), good very fineD.F.M. London Gazette 11 June 1943.Wilfred Woodhouse was educated at Raddlebarn School, Maple College and Birmingham University, and attended a course at Ruskin College of Art in 1937-38. Having also attended several civil defence courses in the interim, he joined the Royal Air Force in June 1940 and was trained as a navigator.He subsequently joined No. 57 Squadron at R.A.F. Scampton as a Flight Sergeant in August 1942 and flew his first sortie - against Cologne - on the night of 15-16 October 1942. Next up was Operation 'Robertson', the daylight raid against Le Creusot on the 17th, when 94 Lancasters from No. 5 Group were assigned to attack the Schneider works, the whole under Wing Commander L. C. Slee, the C.O. of No. 49 Squadron.Woodhouse flew in one of several 57 Squadron aircraft allocated to the force, he and his crew having undertaken special low-level flying exercises over Lincolnshire in the interim. Despite the obvious risks, the raid turned out to be a great success, just one Lancaster becoming a cropper after hitting a roof top. Others suffered damage from bird strikes, as the force raced over 300 miles of French countryside at tree-top height, but all returned home, having delivered their attack in just seven minutes. Even the likes of Guy Gibson, who led six aircraft against the nearby transformer station at Montchanin, appeared to be satisfied with the results.'Bomber' Harris was also impressed and ordered another daylight raid, this time against Milan, in which Woodhouse participated on the 24th. In fact, he was to make three further trips to Italy over the next month or so, namely two sorties to Turin and another to Genoa. These besides sorties to Duisburg, Stuttgart and Weismar. And in mid-January 1943, he flew his first sortie to the 'Big City', one of four such trips undertaken by him at the height of Bomber Command's battle of Berlin.Two further trips to Cologne - and other heavily defended targets such as Essen, Hamburg and Munich - made up the remainder of his operational tour and he was recommended for his D.F.M. in April 1943. Subsequently commissioned, he was demobilised as a Flight Lieutenant in October 1945.Post-war, Woodhouse qualified as a teacher and was employed by the City of Birmingham Education Department, including a stint as headmaster of Leigh School; sold with copied career correspondence.…

The Great War C.M.G., '1918' D.S.O. group of six awarded to Brigadier-General N. G. Barron, Royal Garrison Artillery, who commanded the Heavy Artillery for XVII Corps for three years before being appointed a Divisional Commander of the Royal Irish Constabulary after the Great War, he was further awarded the C.B.E. in that roleThe Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Companion's (C.M.G.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, in its Garrard & Co. case of issue; The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Commander's (C.B.E.) neck Badge, Civil Division, silver-gilt and enamel, note the Badge on incorrect riband, Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel; 1914-15 Star (Lt. Col. N. G. Barron. R.G.A.); British War and Victory Medals (Brig. Gen. N. G. Barron.), with M.I.D. oak leaves; Delhi Durbar 1911, unnamed as issued, the last five mounted as worn, overall good very fine (6)C.M.G. London Gazette 1 January 1919.C.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1923.D.S.O. London Gazette 1 January 1918.M.I.D. London Gazette 4 January 1917; 11 December 1917; 20 December 1918.Netterville Guy Barron was born at Dover, Kent on 8 December 1867, the son of John and Louisa Barron of Kensington, London. His father had been the head of the 'Barron Syndicate' a fraudulent business partnership in which he had been manipulated into taking the fall for a number of false land purchases, the elder Barron shot himself in 1893. The younger Barron was educated Haileybury College (Leith House) before matriculating to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich which he joined as a Cadet on 28 August 1885. Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 16 February 1887, he was advanced Lieutenant on 16 February 1890.Further promoted Captain on 9 October 1897 he was still serving in that rank when he married Esmee Katharine Mary Lloyd in 1899. Barron was promoted Major on 2 May 1906 and was serving in that rank on the outbreak of the Great War in 1914. Further promoted Lieutenant Colonel on 30 October 1914 he entered the war in France in July 1915.Appointed to command the heavy artillery of XVII Corps in 1917 with the acting rank of Brigadier-General on 9 April 1916 Barron held that role until the end of the war, being thrice 'mentioned' in the process. He is also believed to have been wounded at some stage during the action.After the end of hostilities Barron retired in 1920 with the rank of Brigadier-General and took up a position as Divisional Commissioner of the Munster branch of the Royal Irish Constabulary from 1920-1922. A photograph exists of him at the centre of the County Westmeath Force on its disbandment in 1922. It is notable that his award of the C.B.E. came a year later and may well have been as a result of his services in Ireland during the War of Independence and Civil War (neck Badge).Barron settled initially at Farnham, Surrey and later died at Kensington, London on 21 April 1945.…

The 'St. Pancras bombing 1941' B.E.M. awarded to Constable H. J. Smith, Police War Reserve, 'N' Division, Metropolitan Police who, whilst off duty, saw a women trapped in her home by a parachute mineFinding a ladder he climbed the crumbling, bomb damaged building, dug her free and pulled her to safety, all while the bombs continued around him, his original recommendation was for the George Medal, later downgradedBritish Empire Medal, Civil Division, G.VI.R. (Henry John Smith), officially engraved naming on a pre-prepared background, light edge wear, very fineB.E.M. London Gazette 12 September 1941, the original citation states:'A bomb damaged a building, the remains of which were liable to collapse. War Reserve Constable Smith obtained a ladder, climbed to the top of it and then hauled himself on to a balcony which went round to the first floor. He climbed through a window and entered a room where he found a woman buried up to the neck in rubble. He began to dig with his hands although debris was falling and further bombs were dropped in the neighbourhood. Smith eventually released the victim and carried her to safety.'Henry John Smith worked as a packer in civilian life and was living at 41 Goldington Buildings, St. Pancras during the Second World War. He volunteered for the Police War Reserve and was posted to 'N' Division, Metropolitan Police. The original recommendation for his award was for the George Medal however it was downgraded to the B.E.M., the text goes into further detail on the events of 17 April 1941:'On 17th April 1941 at about 3.15 a.m. a parachute mine fell in Pancras Square, Platt Street, N.W.1., causing widespread devastation to the surrounding property including a very large block of flats and the "Star" P.H. at the corner of Platt Street and Goldington Street.War Reserve Smith, who was off duty but lived in the vicinity had returned from assisting at another incident at St. Pancras Hospital when he saw a parachute mine descending in the vicinity of Somers Town Police Station. He immediately went towards Pancras Square and while on his way the mine exploded. On arriving at the scene he rendered assistance, in the course of which he rescued a pregnant woman, and then heard cries for help coming from the first floor of the public house.This building appeared to be in imminent danger of collapse and part of it had to be pulled down next day, but War Reserve obtained a ladder (which was too short) climbed to the top of it and then hauled himself on to a balcony which went round the first floor. He climbed through a window and entered a room where he found a woman buried up to the neck in rubble and debris. He began to extricate the woman with his hands although pieces of ceilings and brickwork were falling and further bombs were still coming down in the neighbourhood.The woman was eventually released and carried to the window. War Reserve Smith then shouted to another police officer to fetch a longer ladder and when this arrived he put the woman over his shoulder and descended to the ground. She had by this time fainted.With the assistance of the woman's brother-in-law he took her to a Rest Centre and then returned to the scene of the incident and rendered what further assistance he could until 5.15 a.m. when he returned home, cleaned himself and reported for duty at 5.45 a.m. at Somers Town Police Station.Although War Reserve Smith was due to parade for duty at 5.45 a.m. the same morning he voluntarily rendered assistance at various incidents during the night. He attended a major incident at St. Pancras Hospital and then generally assisted at Pancras Square, in the course of which he rescued the two women. It is likely that had it not been for the efforts of this War Reserve the second women would have been buried by debris.The conduct of War Reserve Smith, who was off duty, was meritorious and his conduct was of a very high order.The acting Superintendent of the Division recommends War Reserve Smith for an award or mention in the London Gazette. The Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the District considers his conduct worthy of high award and recommends the award of the George Medal.'Whilst impressive this recommendation does little to underline the danger of the situation and can be better outlined by the testimony of the witnesses, firstly the victim of the bomb, Mrs. Constance E Keevil, who states:'My house partially collapsed, and as I attempted to leave my office the door collapsed on me, pinning me in the corner with the door, by this time the ceiling and walls were collapsing on me, burying me in the debris up to my shoulders. I was completely helpless, and shouted for help; this was answered by a man's voice, telling me to wait; shortly afterwards a policeman entered my office through the balcony window, he started to clear the debris off me with his hands, repeatedly telling me to keep calm. All the time he was doing this masonry was falling in patches and was dangerous to us both. He eventually cleared me of the debris, took me to the window and shouted for someone to bring a longer ladder, still doing his best to keep me calm, which I might say was a great effort on his part. The raid was still very heavy; the next I remember was being thrown over the P.C.'s shoulder and carried down the ladder when I completely collapsed.'P.C. Richardson adds his verdict:'The air raid was still in progress and of a severe character; the public house was in a very bad condition and liable to collapse further.In my opinion The War Reserve acted with great promptitude and courage, and at great personal danger considering all the circumstances of the night.'Sold together with copied research.…

The campaign group of seven awarded to Major J. G. Forbes, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, who took the Hong Kong Plague Medal in gold when forming part of 'The Whitewash Brigade', being called out against the 'Black Death' during 1894; Forbes was no stranger to the risks posed by this deadly disease and acted as pall-bearer to brother officer Captain Vesey, who lost his life to the bubonic plagueQueen's South Africa 1899-1901, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Transvaal (Capt. J. G. Forbes. 2/Shrops. L.I.); King's South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Capt. J. G. Forbes. Shrop. L.I.); 1914-15 Star (Major J. G. Forbes. Shrops. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (Major J. G. Forbes.); 1911 Coronation (Major J. G. Forbes), privately engraved naming; Hong Kong Plague 1894, gold issue, unmounted (Captain J. G. Forbes, S.L.I.), in red leather Wyon, Regent St, London case, the first six mounted as worn, good very fine (7)Provenance:Spink, September 1963 & August 1986.John George Forbes was born on 2 February at Melbourne, Victoria, the son of John G. Forbes, a barrister. By 1881 the family were living in Cheltenham, with young Forbes a scholar, likely at Cheltenham College. He then went to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was commissioned into the Shropshire Light Infantry in June 1886. Joining the station at Hong Kong, being a keen horseman, he was a member of the Hong Kong Polo Club by 1893 and Adjutant of his unit.Whitewash BrigadeA virulent epidemic of bubonic plague broke out in Hong Kong in early May 1894. Recognising the danger, the Governor, Sir William Robinson, K.C.M.G., gathered all the resources available to him, both military and civil, to combat the threat. Special bye-laws were quickly passed and implemented, and temporary plague hospitals were opened. The task of finding, isolating, disinfecting and cleansing infected households was directed by Mr F. H. May, the Captain Superintendent of Police and supervised by Mr J. H. Crook the Sanitary Surveyor. To supplement the local authorities and native labour, Officers and men of the Shropshire Light Infantry and Royal Engineers were drawn in to help with the cleansing operations, and Volunteers for house-to-house visitations were sought amongst the civil population. The population in infected areas were removed and infected houses were rigorously cleansed - floors disinfected, walls, woodwork and furniture thoroughly lime-washed, and bedding, old clothing, old woodwork and general rubbish burnt. Elsewhere, doctors, nurses and ancillary staff worked heroically amongst the sick and dying.Forbes volunteered and went out on plague duties to relieve other officers as a house-to-house visitor, and doubtless would have followed the official guidelines in helping to combat the spread of the Plague:'1. Keep separate clothes for working in, which should be changed on returning off duty and kept hung up in the air and sun when not in use.2. On returning off duty wash the hands in water and Jeyes’ fluid (1 in 20), and if possible take a bath of the same solution.3. Also rinse the mouth out with Condy’s fluid and water (one teaspoonful to one quart of water).4. Saturate the handkerchief with Eucalyptus oil when going on duty and apply it frequently to the nose if in an infected house.5. Smoke.’Despite all the precautions taken, over 2,500 people, mainly Chinese, contracted the plague, with 2,317 deaths attributed to the disease, a fatality rate of over 90%. That saw a brother officer of the unit, Captain Vesey pass of the plague. Forbes was a pall bearer at his funeral on 5 June when he was buried in the Happy Valley Cemetery.The plague subsided with the arrival of cold weather, and restrictions were lifted in early September. On 28 September 1894 a public meeting was held at City Hall for the purpose of considering what steps should be taken to recognise the services rendered by the community in combating the plague, and ultimately it was decided that a medal should be awarded, in both gold and silver. His name was one of approximately 13 officers who would take the medal in gold.He served with the 2nd Battalion during the Boer War in South Africa (Queen's Medal & 4 clasps, King's Medal & 2 clasps) and by 1907 was in command of the Depot Troops at Shrewsbury.With the outbreak of the Great War, Forbes would see himself proceed overseas as Second-in-Command of the 5th Battalion. They had been formed at Shrewsbury in August 1914 as part of K1 and came under orders of 42nd Brigade in 14th (Light) Division. Moved initially to Aldershot, and then went on to Chiddingfold in March 1915, they landed on 20 May 1915 at Boulogne. Forbes would remain in the front lines with his men until removed to England, having celebrated his fiftieth birthday at the start of that year. In the following years his name appears as having been involved in the prosecution of Military Court Martial proceedings at home. He was further involved in the compilation, publication and distribution of the Regimental History of the Great War. The good Major, who later lived at 51a Jermyn Street, died on 12 October 1937 as is commemorated upon a marble memorial at St Chad's, Shrewsbury.The Plague Medal - how many?No complete medal roll for the Hong Kong Plague Medal is known to exist, with much of the Colony’s archival material having been destroyed during the Second World War; consequently, the number of medals awarded is a matter of conjecture. Mr. F. Pridmore, in an article for the Spink Numismatic Circular, August 1954, states that 137 gold medals were awarded to civilians, together with 13 being awarded to the officers of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry; Jerome Platt, Maurice Jones, and Arleen Platt in The Whitewash Brigade again estimate that 137 gold medals were awarded to civilians, and increase the number awarded to the military garrison to 46, as well as giving a total of 636 silver medals awarded. It is the opinion of the cataloguer that the figure slightly shy of fifty was the total amount of awards struck and issued in gold, not in excess of one hundred.It is however the result of an incorrect transposition in a previous newspaper article that these figures have been calculated. On reflection, it would also surely have been impractical - and unlikely given the amount of individuals who would possibly qualify - for such a large distribution in gold. Many have likely to have been scrapped for the value of the gold content by now, but around 20 known extant awards in gold have been recorded over the years.Given that the medal, as the gift of a Colonial Government and not one proceeding (or depicting) the monarch, was not authorised for wear. It could be accepted and retained, but as a commemorative/gift, could not be worn in uniform and thus most gold medals remained unmounted, much like this very example; sold together with two cap badges and images of the recipient.…

The Bronze Star group of ten to Indirect Fire Infantryman (Mortarman) W. J. Scovil, 2nd Battalion 8th Cavalry who served as part of 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)United States of America, Bronze Star with V emblem (William J. Scovil) engraved; Purple Heart; Air Medal, bronze (William J. Scovil) engraved; Commendation Medal with V and oak leaf emblems (William J. Scovil) engraved; Good Conduct Medal (William J. Scovil) engraved; National Defence Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960- clasp; Vietnam, Campaign Star; Vietnam, Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Vietnam, Civil Action Honour Medal, mounted on a framed display, very fine (10)William James Scovil studied at Ullman High School, Birmingham, Alabama, he received a Diploma and completed his studies in 1968.Joining the United States Army at Montgomery, Alabama, on 8 April 1969 he served at 2nd Battalion 5th Advanced Infantry Training (A.I.T.) Brigade at Fort Polk, Louisiana from 15 June 1969.Posted to United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) on 16 August 1969 he saw service in Vietnam from 6 September 1969 as part of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in the role of an Indirect Fire Infantryman (Mortarman) with the 2nd Battalion 8th Cavalry Regiment (Airmobile).1st Air Cavalry Division 1969 -1970In late 1968, the Division moved and set up operations in III Corps at the other end of South Vietnam in late 1968. They were still there when Operation Cheyenne Sabre began in areas northeast of Bien Hoa in February 1969. Their actions here were to prove decisive and by the end of the year the enemy's domination of the northern areas of III Corps had been smashed - thoroughly.When Operation Rock Crusher was launched on 1 May 1970, the First Team was "First into Cambodia" hitting what was previously a Communist sanctuary. President Nixon having given the go-ahead for the surprise mission. They pushed into the 'Fish Hook' region of the border and occupied the towns of Mimot and Snoul whilst troopers scattered the enemy forces, depriving them of much needed supplies and ammunition.The men of the 2nd Brigade found an enemy munitions base that they dubbed 'Rock Island East' on 8 May. The Mission to Cambodia, ending on 30 June, far exceeded all expectations and proved to be one of the most successful operations of the First Team. All aspects of ground and air combat had been utilised and the enemy had lost enough men to yield three NVA divisions and enough weapons to equip two divisions. Further successes included a year's supply of rice and corn seized, uncommonly large quantities of ammunition taken, including 1.5 million rounds for small arms, 200,000 anti-aircraft rounds and 143,000 rockets, mortar rounds and recoilless rifle rounds. As well as 300 trucks, a Porsche sports car and a plush Mercedes Benz sedan.The campaign was to have severe political repercussions in the United States for the Nixon Administration however and pressure was mounting to remove America's fighting men from the Vietnam War. Although there would be further assault operations, the war was beginning to wind down for many troopers.Posted away from Vietnam on 5 September 1970 Scovil began his return to the U.S.A. on 22 September 1970 and on 11 October he was an Indirect Fire Crewman with the 6th Battalion of 32nd Armour based at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he completed his Army service on 8 April 1971.Sold together an original archive comprising:(i)Combat Infantryman Badge(ii)Air Assault Badge(iii)Valorous Unit Award 1st May - 29th May 1970 for "Fish Hook" region Cambodia(iv)Dress Cap Badge(v)Specialist 4th Class patch (2)(vi)Riband bar for uniform(vii)1st Air Cavalry Division patch(viii)8th Cavalry patch(ix)8th Cavalry cap badge(x)Assorted copied research which shows various service details including medal entitlement.(xi)Safe Conduct Pass(xii)A further set of uniform medal ribands…

Shanghai Volunteer Corps Long Service Medal, silver, hallmarks to rim, the reverse officially engraved 'B.Q.M.S. J. A. Cheeseman. Act. 1920-1931', good very fineProvenance:Sotheby's, July 1998.James Alfred Cheeseman was born at Reading on 13 August 1893, the son of The Rev. James & Isabella Cheeseman, the sixth of nine children. Young Cheeseman was educated at Chester College School and Paradise Street School in Cambridge before going out east - described as a draper - in 1913. With the outbreak of the Great War, he volunteered with 109 fellows from Shanghai and proceeded to England to join the New Army via the Suwa Maru. Joining King Edward's Horse (No. 894), he served on the Western Front from October 1915 and whilst serving in an Observation Post with 'A' Squadron at La Bourse was wounded by a rifle grenade on 24 March 1916 (1914-15 Star Trio). His daughter later wrote how the wounds effected his lower spine and knee, partially crippling him.Returning to Shanghai in May 1919, he joined the Shanghai Volunteer Artillery Company and the Whizzbangs Shanghai Amateur Football Club. Cheeseman would likely have been called out to share in the actions with his Battery against the Chekiang Kiangsu warlords in 1924-25. Married to Kathleen, he was to face tragedy as she produced a daughter on 16 October 1926 but died the next day, with their infant passing on 20 October 1926. A second marriage several years later (see group photograph) produced another daughter, Dora, who lived until 2015.Awarded his Long Service Medal as per the Shanghai Municipal Gazette of 7 August 1931, the Artillery Battery was disbanded several years after, with Cheeseman joining the Municipal Police Specials from September 1937 - perhaps serving during the emergency. He had also been made Manager of the famous department store Lane Crawford (founded 1862) shortly before its collapse. He thence set up the Textile Import Company, with offices in the Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank Building.Promoted Sub-Inspector in the Specials in November 1939, Cheeseman was living on the Tifeng Road. Following the uncontested invasion of Shanghai by the Japanese on 8 December 1941, life continued comparatively unchanged and the Municipal Police were required to maintain the administration, under the Shanghai Provisional Council of 1941Under considerable pressure from the United States Administration, the foreign Extra Territorial Treaties, which had established the China Treaty ports in the 19th century including Shanghai (except that for Hong Kong), were abrogated on 11 January 1943 by the Treaty Between His Majesty in Respect of the United Kingdom and India and His Excellency the President of the National Government of the Republic of China for the Relinquishment of Extra-Territorial Rights in China and the Regulation of Related Matters - so that at the end of the Japanese War Shanghai, and other occupied treaty ports would be returned to the Chinese Government (KMT) in Nanking.This also had the effect of terminating the Police service contracts in March 1943. That same month, Cheeseman and other expatriate members of allied countries were put into one of the internment camps - described as Civil Assembly Centres. His family went into the Lunghwa Centre. That place held just under 2,000 people and was described thusly:'The camp was large, containing seven concrete buildings, five large wooden barracks (originally built as stables by the Japanese), and numerous outbuildings. There were fifty nine dorms and 127 rooms for families.'In addition to malnutrition, malaria and typhoid were a common problem. A fellow internee was J. G. Ballard who, in his book Empire of the Sun (later made into a Stephen Spielberg film), gives a vivid description of life in this camp. At the end of the Pacific War, when the employees of the Municipal Council, civil servants, Police, Fire etc. came out of the internment camps in August and September 1945, they were unemployed. Some managed to obtain jobs in Shanghai and Hong Kong, which it appears the Cheesemans went to. He arrived back at Liverpool in November 1950.…

Sold by Order of a Direct Descendant'Frederick [McNair], was arguably Singapore’s most important architect of the latter 19th century.'The Library of Singapore, refers.The C.M.G. pair awarded to Major J. F. A. McNair, Royal Artillery, also a long-served Colonial Civil Servant, Executive Engineer & Superintendent of Convicts in the Straits Settlements, he was called as Chief Commissioner inquiring into the complicity of the Chiefs of Perak after the 1875-76 WarThe Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, C.M.G., Companion’s breast Badge, gold and enamel, with swivel ring and straight bar suspension, complete with gold buckle on ribbon; India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Perak (Major McNair. R.A. Colonial Engineer.), with silver riband buckle, minor official correction to posting, very fine (2)C.M.G. London Gazette 24 May 1879.John Frederick Adolphus McNair was born on 23 October 1828 at Bath and was educated at King's College, London and at the School of Mines. He went out to India in 1846 to take up employment with the British East India Company at Madras, becoming fluent in Hindustani. From Madras, McNair was transferred to Malacca, reporting to J. B. Westerhout, then the advisor to the Government of the Straits Settlements.He was then posted to Singapore as Adjutant of the Straights Settlements Artillery and where he took up an appointment as Private Secretary and Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of Straits Settlements. In 1857, McNair was appointed Executive Engineer and Superintendent of Convicts in the Straits Settlements (Penang, Malacca and Singapore) and he was also in responsible for Public Works and the Oriental Gaol in Singapore.McNair shared in the Commission for the Pacification of Larut in Perak and latterly during the 1875-76 War at that place, following the murder of J. W. W. Birch.Having taken his C.M.G. in 1879, by 1882 he was Acting Resident Councillor to the Governor of Penang, with McNair Street in George Town named after him. Besides undertaking several expeditions to Siam (Thailand) in 1868, 1874, 1875 and 1878, and forging a keen friendship with the King, he was bestowed with the Order of the White Elephant.In Singapore himself, he oversaw the construction of St Andrew’s Cathedral, designed the former Empress Place Building (Asian Civilisations Museum) and Government House (Istana), and made alterations to the Old Parliament House (The Arts House).As a final note, Sir Andrew Clarke started the title "Empress of India," for Queen Victoria and asked McNair to translate this. Of the several versions he provided, "Kaisar-i-Hind" was selected and officially used for the first time in Sir Andrew's proclamation, which was at once sent home to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the Earl of Carnavon.He married firstly Sarah Desgranges Paine in 1849. They had seven children. He married secondly Madalena Williamson, née Vallance. The good Major died on 17 May 1910; sold together with a copy of Prisoners Their Own Warders.For his Thai Orders of the Elephant, please see the next two Lots.…

An outstanding posthumous Gold Al Valore Militare awarded to Commander P. Paiette, II Garibaldi Assault Brigade, a gallant Italian partisan who was Killed in Action with a German patrol in February 1944Italy, Republic, Al Valore Militare, Gold issue, silver-gilt, marked 'A-800' (Paietta Pietro (M) M. Carlo. (Vercelli) 24-2-944.), good very fineCitation states:'Organizer of the first partisan detachments in the Biella area. Commander of the Garibaldi Brigade, he bravely led his men in the bitter battles against an enemy superior in numbers and means. Always first in the fray, always present where the danger was greatest, an example and an incitement, he sustained numerous battles at the head of his unit, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. During a reconnaissance he clashed with a German unit and although in inferior conditions he refused to surrender and with weapons in hand accepted the fight until he fell riddled with bullets. Heroic commander and passionate animator, he made his holocaust a warning and example to the people . – Monte Casto (Vercelli), 24 February 1944.'Pietro Paietta was born on 7 February 1914 in Taino. He attended middle school in Novara and found employment as an accountant in the local branch of the Stipel Company. Enlisted in 1935 in the 4th Bersaglieri Regiment of the Trento Motorized Division, mobilized for AO (East Africa) needs, he was in Libya from December 1935 until August 1936. Repatriated and discharged with the rank of Corporal Major eligible for the rank of Sergeant, he entered the Bank of Luino which he left the following year to enlist as a Volunteer in the Garibaldi International Brigade during the Civil War in Spain. Wounded and mutilated of an arm in the Battle of the Ebro on 18 March 1938, he moved to France.After the capitulation of the French army to Germany in the spring of 1941, he took part in the resistance movement as a commander of groups of francs tireurs. On 8 September 1943, having returned to Italy and taken refuge in the Biella area, he was the organiser of the first partisan groups that were later to form the II Garibaldi Assault Brigade, of which he held command. (https://www.combattentiliberazione.it/m-o-v-m-dall8-settembre-1943/paietta-pietro, refers)…

The M.V.O., M.B.E. group of three awarded to Miss A. David, whose career in the Foreign Office spanned decades, she flew to Munich with Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in 1938 as part of the official delegation to his infamous 'Peace in Our Time' meeting with Adolf HitleRoyal Victorian Order, Member’s (M.V.O.) ladies shoulder Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, reverse officially numbered ‘L23’, mounted on bow as worn, in its Collingwood Jewellers Ltd., 24 Conduit St. case of issue; The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd Type ladies shoulder Badge, silver, in its Royal Mint case of issue; Persia, Empire, Order of the Crown (Taj), 4th Class breast Badge, by Arthus Bertrand, Paris, 65mm including suspension x 46mm, silver-gilt, gilt and enamel, in its Arthus Bertrand, Paris case of issue, slight cracks to Order of the Crown enamel, otherwise very fine overall (3)M.V.O. London Gazette 1 January 1963.M.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1949.Order of the Taj London Gazette 21 December 1965:'The Queen has been pleased to give and grant unto Miss Alison David, M.V.O., M.B.E., Her Majesty’s Royal license and authority to wear the decoration of the Insignia of the Order of the Taf Fourth Class, which has been conferred upon her by his Imperial Majesty the Shahanshah of Iran in recognition of valuable services rendered by her as Private Secretary to His Excellency the Iranian Ambassador in London.'Alison David was born about 1909 and had a decades-long career in the Foreign Office, including acting as the private secretary to Ernest Bevin, Minister of Labour and National Service during the Second World War. She was included on many international trips in her capacity as a member of the Foreign Office.The Western Press & Bristol Mirror reported on 30 August 1949 that Bevin was taking David with him on a trip in his capacity Foreign Secretary to Washington D.C. on board the Mauritania. The Aberdeen Press & Journal further reported on 1 September 1949 that:'Miss David, who has held her top-ranking job at the Foreign Office since before the war, knows most of the world statesmen. She has been to Moscow, Potsdam and Berlin with Sir William Strang: to Paris, Brussels, The Hague and Strasbourg with Mr. Bevin; and to San Francisco with Mr. Eden. She also flew to Munich with Mr. Neville Chamberlain.'She appears on passenger lists of the Queen Mary between New York and Southampton in 1950 and 1951; sold together with copied research including photographs of David appearing in the same photograph as Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain saluting the crowd prior to his departure to Munich in 1938, where the Munich Agreement would then be signed, with David departing with Chamberlain on that same flight.Also sold together with original signed warrants and assorted related investiture documents, as well as a vintage print of Queen Elizabeth II mounted on card.For her miniature dress medals, please see Lot 442.…

▲ Edward Burra (1905-1976) The processionwith 'E J Burra' estate stamp u.r., pencil and watercolour, with a pencil drawing of dancers verso65 x 50cm, unframedProvenance: Sotheby's, London, 'Works from the Estate of Edward Burra, Lady Ritchie of Dundee and Associated Owners', 3 July 2002, lot 256;the property of a private collector.Edward Burra was known for his surreal, satirical depictions of modern life. Born in London and raised in Rye, Sussex, he battled chronic rheumatoid arthritis, which shaped both his lifestyle and artistic practice. Despite physical limitations, he developed a distinctive style, favouring large-scale watercolours. His early work focused on urban nightlife, revelling in the grit and glamour of brothels, bars and cabaret scenes.Burra’s fascination with Hispanic culture led him to Spain in 1933, during the turbulent years of the Second Spanish Republic (1931-1939). The country was undergoing radical political change - secular reforms, social unrest and rising tensions that would eventually lead to civil war. He was captivated by Spain's dramatic cultural traditions, particularly its religious processions, bullfights and theatrical Catholic rituals. Spanish art profoundly influenced him, from the eerie mysticism of El Greco to the stark realism of Goya and Zurbarán. Burra immersed himself in the culture, learning Spanish and surrounding himself with Spanish literature. He also travelled to Mexico, where the vibrant folk traditions and imagery of the Day of the Dead reinforced his fascination with ritual and the macabre.His undated drawing 'The Procession' showcases his signature compositional technique. The eye is led diagonally from the upper left to the lower right, where figures seem to move beyond the paper’s edge. This sense of momentum is key to his later religious-themed works. Burra’s cartoonist-like approach is evident - while most of the piece remains an outline, he selectively colours a few figures, particularly a striking, red-skinned face, adding both drama and mystery. This technique teases the viewer, leaving them wondering how the final piece might have looked, a hallmark of Burra’s ability to balance intrigue and narrative depth.Condition ReportThere are several very small, repaired tears to the upper edge. A few light spots of foxing starting to emerge. Very light surface dirt. There is a little pale yellow discolouration in the lower right corner.

A finely detailed and historically significant 1854 map of the United States of America, published by renowned American cartographer J.H. Colton. This hand-colored lithographic map, printed by D. McLellan of New York, captures the United States during a pivotal moment in mid-19th century expansion, shortly after the Mexican-American War and prior to the Civil War. Notable for its vibrant state boundaries and meticulous railroad, canal, and city markings, the map includes an ornate floral border typical of Colton's distinctive Victorian style. It also features the West Indies and Gulf of Mexico regions, with rich topographical detail and careful labeling. The map is attractively framed under glass with a gold and black decorative frame and double matting, making it ready for display. Published at No. 86 Cedar St, New York, this early Colton edition holds value not only as a visual record of 19th-century geography but also as a collectible example of American cartographic artistry.Artist: Joseph Hutchins Colton (1800-1893)Issued: 1854Dimensions: 34.50"L x 23.50"HCountry of Origin: USACondition: Age related wear. Minor buckling and trace of folding on lower part.

A 19th century South Staffordshire oval enamel patch box Ad Nelson, width 5.5cm together with an American Civil War era brass tobacco box PATD Jan 24 1860 C. Parker decorated with the Tomb of Washington and two horse riders, a tortoise shell circular snuff box with miniature portrait of a young Napoleon II after Marcke and a 19th century horn snuff box with contents. (4) Ivory exemption 1W8BY1GJ Condition report, patch box with extensive cracking and losses, American box with remnants of silver plate and lid hinge repaired. 

A Civil War era stacked leather plantation cane, 19th century, with a bronze handle, length 91cm. 

11 x assorted medals including Italy war medal, France Escapees medal, French Cross of Military Power, Italian Civil Award, etc.

Reproduction Belgian medals including Belgian Africa War medal, Civil Order of Merit, Civic Cross for Bravery, etc

A large collection of late 20th century presentation packs, including themes such as Arthurian Legend, British Films, The Royal Mail, Famous Trains, Insects, British Composers, The Civil War and many more. With an approximate face value of £190. Housed within an album.

Mattel Barbie American Stories Collection pair of dolls: (1) Civil War Nurse, 14612, 1995; (2) Pilgrim Barbie, 12577, 1994; Excellent Plus to Near Mint, NRFB, within Fair Plus to Good boxes; (2).

Britains Deetail - A collection of Cowboy and Native American figures and some Civil War Soldiers. They show signs of use and appear Fair to Good overall. (This does not constitute a guarantee) [ba]

Britains Deetail - A collection of Cowboy and Native American figures and some Civil War Soldiers. They show signs of use and appear Fair to Good overall. (This does not constitute a guarantee) [ba]

U.S. M1 Civil Defense helmet from the Cold War era features an original liner, leather chinstrap, and painted finish.

WW2 Booklets / Ephemera: Civil Defence wartime Public Information leaflets, army training memorandum for officers of the Home Guard, War Emergency sheets, Small Arms Training pamphlet Pistol .38, British Soldier in India book and a postwar re-print of Spitfire Pilots notes. 15 items

Group of collectors cards to include Star Wars Master Visions cards x3, Star Wars Return of the Jedi sticker album, Buck Rogers sticker album, a set of Civil War News A&BC cards and assorted loose collectors cards.

An English Civil War lobster tailed re-enactment helmet

An American Civil War style re-enactment sword & three others

Benham official FDC collection 5 covers with 2 rare doubled 1980 and 1995 Conductors BOCS24 Cat £20 each only 29 and 44 of each were produced, Rare 1992, 1995 Doubles Civil War BLCS75b Cat £15, 1983 Engineering BLS3 cat £12, 1984 Cattle BLS2 cat £12. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99

ILJA GRIGORJEVIC ERENBURG, ABULQASIM LAHOUTI, VASILIJ KOLCOV AND MORE | GROUP SIGNATURE CARD (5 AUTOGRAPHS) (RUSSIA / RUSSIAN) | Ilja Grigorjevic Erenburg, Abulqasim Lahouti, Vasilij Kolcov and more (Илья Григорьевич Эренбург / Михаи́л Ефи́мович Кольцо́в) | profession: Poets and prose writers | country: Russia | signature: Original signatures | size: 310 x 260 mm (size of the pad) | technique: Handwritten autographs on a paper card. Two autographs are illegible | Lot information |Unique set of signatures from prominent Russian writers and journalists Ilya Ehrenburg and Mikhail Koltsov. Ehrenburg was one of the most significant Soviet writers and journalists of the 20th century, known for his anti-war literature and reports from the Spanish Civil War. Mikhail Koltsov, also a journalist and writer, was an influential publicist and correspondent, but during the Stalinist purges, he was arrested and executed. This document is a rare testament to the era and represents unique collector's value.

Reproduction English Civil War Lobster Tailed Pot Helmet, hinged visor and cheek guards and articulated lobster tail to neck.

Reproduction American Civil War U.S Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber and Scabbard, walking cane with copper mounts.

A Free Polish Army gallantry, campaign and document group, that of Gunner Kazimierz Kopacz, 7th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, 2nd Polish Corps Artillery, comprising Cross of Valour (Middle Eastern type), Army Medal, Monte Cassino Cross (36067), all having legitymacja, British campaign and service medals, ribbon bars, soldier's service and pay book, photograph album and other service and civilian documents [Kazimierz Kopacs, 1919-2007, born in Kolimagi, Podlaskie Province, Poland. Noted to be a farm worker before the war, he was captured by the Soviets in 1939 and subsequently deported to the USSR. Managing to survive Soviet captivity, he joined the "Polish Army in the East" and went on to serve in Italy with the 7th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. After the War, Kazimierz came to the UK with the rest of the 2nd Polish Corps and found work as a woodsman. He became a British citizen on 7th March 1989, living in Slough with his wife, Nora. Kazimierz died at Hillington Hospital in London on 30th November 2007.]Gunner Kazimierz Kopacz, 7th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, 2nd Polish Corps Artillery: Cross of Valour, Middle Eastern Type; Army Medal; Monte Cassino Cross (No. 36067); 1939-45 & Italy Stars; Defence & War Medals. Accompanying Original Documents & Material: Legitymacje (4) for the: Cross of Valour; Army Medal; Monte Cassino Cross; 2nd Corps Badge (this last not present with group)Card Certificate of Entitlement to the 1939-45 & Italy StarsPaper Temporary Certificates of Entitlement (2) to the: Cross of Valour; 1939-45 & Italy Stars. Record Office Enclosure re non-eligibility for the War Medal 1939-45Soldier’s Service Book, with Photograph, dated 21.12.1942; Polish Armed Forces Discharge Certificate Nr 93876; Letter from Army Pay Office, 14.12.1948British Nationality Certificate, dated 7 March 1989 (date of birth given as ‘16 January 1919’: see Note 1)Ribbon Bars (4): a) Cross of Valour & Army Medal, on workshop-made brooch pin mounting; b) Army Medal & Monte Cassino Cross, formed from wound thread; c) Cross of Valour, with stripes sewn on; d) Monte Cassino Cross, with sewn-on ornate claspPhotograph Album * Kazimierz Kopacz (1919-2007) was born at Kolimagi in the Podlaskie Province of Poland. Kolimagi lies just south of Zabiele, which is south-west of Kolno – all of which are situated, more or less, north-west of Łomża. In pre-war terms, therefore, his home area was in central northern Poland, very close to the border with East Prussia. Noted to be a farm worker in civil life, Kazimierz Kopacz was either captured by the Russians in 1939 or was deported to the Soviet Union, thereafter. However, he managed to survive Soviet captivity and was able to join the Polish Forces forming in the USSR. Gunner Kopacz came through the Middle East and went on to serve in the Italian campaign with the 7th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. On 19 November 1944, regimental daily orders noted his award of the Cross of Valour, at which time he was serving with the 4th Troop of No. 2 Battery. Alongside ten other members of his regiment, he received his Cross of Valour from the CO of the 7th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment in a public ceremony held on 7 January 1945. Following the end of the war, Kazimierz Kopacz came to the UK with the rest of the 2nd Polish Corps. He found employment as a ‘Woodsman’ and, on 7 March 1989, was granted British nationality. Kazimierz Kopacz died at Hillingdon Hospital, on the western outskirts of London, on 30 November 2007. At that time, he was noted to be the husband of Nora Kopacz, school teacher, and his usual address was given as 56 Deans Close, Stoke Poges, Slough, Berkshire.Notes1) In fact, Kazimierz Kopacz’s wartime documents give his date of birth as ‘16 January 1918’ though, in his Soldier’s Service Book, the year has been changed to ‘1919’. 2) Specific details of the award and presentation of his Cross of Valour are contained in the Kronika of No. 2 Battery of the 7th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, held by the Polish Institute & Sikorski Museum under ref: C.431. 3) In Artillery terms, the Polish Dywizjon translates as ‘Battery’, and the smaller unit – Bateria – as ‘Troop’. 4) The Recommendation (Wniosek) for Kazimierz Kopacz’s Cross of Valour has not been found at the Polish Institute & Sikorski Museum. 5) His death registration from 2007 (Hillingdon District, Entry No. 138) gives his date of birth as ‘16 January 1919’.

USA Civil War token 1863 Our little monitor

USA Civil War token 1863 Little Mack

USA Civil War token 1863 Washington Market Exchange

USA Civil War token New York

USA Civil War token 1863, good grade

USA Civil War token 1863 United States, copper

USA Civil War token 1863

USA Civil War token 1863 Snake

USA Civil War token 1863, New York

USA Civil War token 1863, Union Forever, good grade

Group of two copies of the New York Tribune from the mid-19th century. Including:One Civil War era paper published Saturday, April 11, 1863. Volume XXII, no. 6,870.One Saturday, April 15th, 1865, published the day President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Volume XXV, no. 7,496.(Each) height: 21 1/4 in x width: 16 in.Condition: Signs of wear, staining, and restorations throughout.

A Marvel Hot Toys Civil War Captain America Falcon 1:6 scale collectible figure, MMS361, unopened in sealed bag with original box, together with Black Panther 1:6 scale collectible figure, MMS363, unopened in sealed bag with original box, and Scarlet Witch 1:6 scale collectible figure, MMS378, with original plastic bag and box.Qty: 3

A late 19th century diamond spray brooch, designed as a clover leaf, set throughout with old brilliant and rose-cut diamonds, mounted in silver and gold, (two diamonds deficient), total diamond weight approximately 4.05 carats, length 5.5cm. £3,000-£3,600 --- Provenance: Formerly the property of Sir John Muir, 1st Baronet DL JP, thence by family descent to Susan Sowerby, wife of Captain John Crosthwaite-Eyre (1915 - 2000) and to the present vendor. Sir John Muir (1828-1903) was a highly successful Scottish businessman, founding one of the world’s largest 19th century companies. As a young man, he joined James Finlay & Co., cotton mill owners in Glasgow, becoming a junior partner in 1861 and by 1883 the sole partner. Due to the American Civil War, the company had to relocate its main source of cotton, turning to India in 1871 and opening offices in Calcutta and Bombay, where, with his cousin Hugh Brown Muir, they established the firm of Finlay Muir & Co. The company branched into tea plantations, rubber and jute, acquiring plantations in Sri Lanka. By John Muir’s final years, Finlay Muir & Co. had 90,000 employees with approximately 70,000 employed in India. Finlay Muir had tea trading premises in Glasgow until 2007. John Muir married Margaret Morris Kay in 1860, the eldest daughter of Alexander Kay, then a senior partner of Finlays. They raised ten children, their family home being Deanston House, in Perthshire. In 1889 Muir was elected Lord Provost of Glasgow and created a baronet by Queen Victoria in October 1892. After his death the baronetcy passed to his eldest son Sir Alexander Kay Muir. The diamond brooch offered here for sale was a gift from John to his wife. The brooch passed by descent through the Muir family, and by the 1950s, was in the possession of Susan Elizabeth Sowerby, wife of John Crosthwaite Eyre, a Captain in the Royal Engineers, involved with Special Operation forces behind enemy lines during the Second World War. Condition Report 3 principal diamonds approximately 0.80 carat each. Graded in settings as approximately H-J colour, SI1/SI2 clarity. Remaining diamonds bright - two deficient. Repairs evident to reverse - to include strengthening pins and reattachment / addition of stem. Pin with some side-to-side movement. Safety chain later. Gross weight 9gm.

COLLECTION OF MARVEL COMICS, including stories from The Ultimate Series, Logan, X-Men, Strange Ghost Rider, Avengers, Civil War, Secret Invasion and Dark Reign

An original WWII Second World War 1939 dated Civil Defence / Air Raid Wardens steel brodie helmet, the black helmet of usual form having a white painted ' W ' to the front and makers mark BMB for Briggs Motor Bodies to the inside, retaining the original leather liner and part canvas chin strap, together with a Wardens armband and a black & white wooden rattle. (3)

A QUANTITY OF UNBOXED AND ASSORTED PLASTIC BRITAINS FLORAL GARDEN ITEMS, to include Greenhouse, No.H2592, Lawn Mower & Hose Reel, No.2594, Garden Roller & Wheelbarrow, No.2595, Garden Swing Couch, No.2597, borders, flowers & plants, paving, rock pool etc., with a quantity of Airfix OO/HO soldier figures including Guards Colour Party (some painted but now with paint loss and wear) and American Civil War Artillery, together with a quantity of plastic farm animals and accessories, all in playworn condition

A WWII Second World War Third Reich Nazi German RLB Air Raid Precautions / Civil Defence Officers dress dagger. The dagger having a flat pommel and black wooden grip with the regimental badge. The cross guard being the wings of a German eagle atop a Swastika (one arm lacking). The double edged Solingen blade housed in a scabbard with suspension clip stamped DRGM. Measures approx 37cm. Due to the nature of some items, buyers are reminded for the need to satisfy themselves as to originality / origin / condition prior to bidding, irrespective of any description. No guarantees are implied nor offered and all lots remain sold 'as is'.

Civil Defence - a WWII Second World War Front Line 1940-1941 The Story of the Civil Defence of Britain illustrated picture cards produced for the Ministry of Home Security. The x25 cards depicting bombed cities of Britain and the civilian volunteers helping to rebuild it. Housed in the original cardboard folio sleeve. Cards measuring approx 37x30cm.

Clare Sheridan (1885-1970) - English sculptor, writer, and Sir Winston Churchill's cousin. A unique and important personal photograph album showing Sheridan's secret trip to Russia in the summer of 1920, along with a signed photograph by Winston Churchill. In the summer of 1920, the first Soviet Russian trade delegation visited London. Sheridan met Lev Kamenev, a Russian revolutionary and Soviet politician. The two struck up a relationship and she holidayed with him on the Isle of Wight. Whilst there, Kamenev promised to arrange for her to visit Moscow with him, to further her sculpture work and to create busts of notable Russian figures. With deep unease around the world, the British authorities refused to issue her a visa. Instead, she sailed with Kamenev to Stockholm, where he obtained an Estonian visa for her which allowed her entry to Russia. Once there, she stayed in the Kremlin for two months where her sculpting subjects included Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky, Felix Dzerzhinsky and Kamenev himself. She is reputed to have had affairs with more than one of her sitters. Winston Churchill, as Secretary of State for War, was pressing for British and allied intervention in the Russian revolution and was furious to learn of Sheridan's activities. When she returned to London, Churchill refused to see her, and she found herself widely shunned in polite society. MI5 kept a watch on Sheridan for the rest of her life, and they believed that she had been recruited as a spy for the Soviets, although this was later dismissed and she was labelled a 'mischief-maker.' The period brown leather album contains eighty-three laid-in photographs, largely taken by Sheridan, and most annotated alongside in pencil, in her hand. Some - but not all - were published in her Russian Portraits (1921) and Mayfair To Moscow (1921) diaries. Our research indicates that approximately fifty percent of the images are previously unpublished and unseen. Some of the photographs are faded, whilst others are not. Throughout the album Lev Kamenev is referred to as 'Kameneff' (the alternative Anglicised spelling being well documented in Sheridan's diary). Other names and places are alternatively spelled; either Anglicised, or simply by error. Most of these alternate spellings also align with her diary. The album starts in August 1920 and two images show Sheridan & Kamenev at the residence of Sidney Russell-Cooke on the Isle Of Wight. 'Self & Kameneff in Russell-Cook's garden, Isle Of Wight'. One photograph shows Kamenev and Russell-Cooke, the other is a relaxed pose with Kamenev and Sheridan sitting close together, smiling for the camera. It was during this trip that Kamenev convinced Sheridan to make a trip to Moscow, and the conversation is well noted in Sheridan's diary (August 28th 1920). Within two weeks, the trip was planned and made. The next two pages of photographs depict the start of Sheridan's journey on SS Jupiter, with 'Sydney R.C. sees us off' (this too is well documented in her diary) and 'Kameneff & I start for Moscow'. En route to Moscow, they passed through Oslo and Sheridan has photographed a memorial 'enroute from Oslo - memorial to Scott at a railway station'. The next pages feature large format photographs taken by Sheridan in Oslo and show a meeting between Kamenev and Maxim Litvinov (Sheridan spells this 'Litvinoff') and Litvinov's son, Sacha (we believe this to be a mis-remembering by Sheridan as Litvinov's son's name was actually Mischa. This error was corrected in her published diaries). These particular images were published by Sheridan in 1921, however one particular photograph showing Kamenev, Litvinov and Misha is known to exist only in defaced form - with Kamenev removed. The photograph in this album is the full original image. The next pages are dated 'Sept 20' and two images depict a train journey, annotated 'En route for Moscow - Kameneff's son and I cross the frontier on the engine,' and 'Kameneff at the Russian frontier (his son on the engine)'. The next three images depict 'remnants of civil war' - damaged bridges, taken from the train. The larger of these images was published, the others are alternative unpublished views. From these photographs onwards, all the images taken show Sheridan's time in Moscow and include images variously annotated: 'In the Kremlin - entrance on right to Kameneff's apt,' 'Arrive at the Kremlin,' 'Anna the maid in the window of the Kameneff apt, Kremlin,' 'view from the window in the Kremlin,' 'Kremlin - our Rolls Royce!' 'Self in the Kremlin,' 'The red guard, Kremlin,' 'a corner of the Kremlin - the cathedral?' 'The great bell - Kremlin,' one larger annotated page reads 'I have nothing to do & I can't get outside the Kremlin, so I wander about with my Kodak - Sept 1920' followed by several views of the interior perimeter of the Kremlin, 'The courtyard outside my studio,' 'the great canon taken from Napoleon,' several photographs of the Sofiyskaya 'this is where I was finally housed,' a large format photograph of Leon Trotsky & Lev Kamenev's sons playing - annotated 'Serge Trotski (left) and Alexander Kameneff (right).' Two larger format photographs follow showing 'Imperial eagle flung down from the top of the museum - Moscow, 1920', followed by further views of the Kremlin. Five more laid-in images depict statues in Moscow 'statue of Dostoevski in a square in Moscow.' The next page shows Theodore Rothstein outside the Kremlin (mis-identified by Sheridan as 'Rosenberg (expelled from England)', a previously undocumented photograph of Mikhail Markovich Gruzenberg (Mikhail Borodin) taken by Sheridan annotated 'Michael Borodin' appears to have been taken in her studio / apartment in the Kremlin. This is followed by views of a Moscow market 'but nothing to buy,' Sheridan writes. To the penultimate page of the album are three photographs annotated 'photos of the revolution given me by the (illegible) and propaganda,' and 'Kameneff addressing a crowd.' These three images all feature signatures to the by an unknown hand, presumably the original photographer. The final photograph is annotated 'famous photo, published so often - showing the fighting in the streets of Petrograd' - this image too was likely given to Sheridan. The rest of the album is unfilled. Album size: 22cm x 16cm.Clare Consuelo Sheridan (1885-1970) was an English sculptor, and writer, known primarily for creating busts for famous sitters and keeping travel diaries. A cousin of Sir Winston Churchill, whom she embarrassed with her wild behaviour. She married in 1910 and had three children, one of whom died in 1914. She modelled an angel for the grave and discovered a talent for sculpture. After her husband's death during the First World War she exhibited her sculptures. She was an admirer of communism, and visited the Soviet Union in 1920 against the advice of Churchill and the British Government. There, she sculpted Lenin and Trotsky, later publishing her diaries. This infuriated Churchill who was very anti-Bolshevik and it caused the first of the ‘scandals’ that would keep her name buzzing on the world’s press wires for the next 30 years. She then went to America, where she settled, becoming friends with Charlie Chaplin. Now older, she took her children to live in Algeria and continued to sculpt and write. She died in 1970. NOTE: in respect to the eventual purchaser, and to safeguard the unseen nature of the images, only a handful have been illustrated here. Further images of the unpublished photographs will not be shown or sent for any reason. In-person viewing can be arranged on a strict one-to-one basis but no copying or photography of the album will be allowed.

An American Civil War-style officer's sword and another sword.

Philips (Katherine) Poems by the most deservedly admired Mrs Katherine Philips, The Matchless Orinda. To which is added Monsieur Corneille’s Pompey & Horace, Tragedies. With several other translations out of French, London: T[homas] N[ewcomb] for Henry Herringman, 1678, third edition, small folio, contemporary calf, engraved portrait frontispiece cut down and mounted, divisional titles for Pompey and Horace[Wing, P2034] Katherine Philips was one the most celebrated poets of the 17th century and a contemporary of Aphra Behn, Margaret Cavendish and other women writers and poets who flourished after the English Civil War. Charles Cotterell (whom she gave the coterie name ‘Poliarchus’) wrote of her poems that “there are none that may not pass with favour, when it is remembered that they fell hastily from the pen but of a Woman”.

The Archive of Lady Mary Pamela Madeline Sibell Strickland / Lyon (1895-1991), née CharterisTo include nine various leatherbound diaries in manuscript spanning 1916-1927; including some typewritten transcripts thereof (Volumes 1-4)Two ring binder files containing letters of response to the wedding of Ariel Susan Clare (adopted daughter of Mary Lyon) to Christopher Elliott in 1964, predominantly from the gentry of Gloucestershire and including from the author Michael Innes and Anne Fleming (wife of Ian Fleming)Two prisoner of war diaries by Lieutenant Algernon (Tom) Walter Strickland of the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars Yeomanry, dating from 1916-18, written while he was held prisoner in Turkey, measuring 13cm x 8.5cm each with cloth boards, with an accompanying manuscript book by his wife, Mary Strickland, summarising letters received from her husband while imprisoned, with a folded map of Gallipoli, alongside two files of manuscript letters from Algernon (known in the family as Tom or Tommy) to Mary spanning 1917-1938 including those from camps in Egypt, Switzerland and Gallipoli (Turkey).A folder of various letters to Mary Pamela Lyon, some dealing with the publication of Cynthia Asquith's diaries (Mary's sister), including from Sir Rupert Hart-Davis (1907-1999) and an envelope of press cuttings and reviews of Elizabeth Longford’s biography of Wilfred Scawen Blunt, letters from Elizabeth Longford and Roger FulfordTwo small notebooks with manuscript entries in pencil, one entitled 'Bird Notes' (spanning 1955-1965) and Birds seen in South Africa Orange Free State Dec 1937- March 1938A folder of Letters entitled 'Letters from Sara from 1929 up to 1950' (daughter of Mary Lyon) including juvenile correspondenceA folder of documents relating to World War I & II with related memorabilia including a typed manuscript ‘Torpedoed’ by Martin Charteris (1913-1999), a favourite courtier of Queen Elizabeth II and her longest serving Private Secretary, several ephemera publications by the British Legion, 1950-54, an auction catalogue Bruton, Knowles & Co. ‘The Gloucestershire Treasure Sale’ 1944 for the Red Cross, including a pencil drawing ‘Paternity’ by H.G. Wells, Mary Strickland and Mrs Belloc Lowndes, drawn at Stanway as part of a parlour game. Several WWII armbands for the British Red Cross, WVS Rest Centre and WLA (Women’s Land Army), several badges including a Royal British Legion Poppy brooch, ARP Women’s Voluntary Services, Women’s Land Army and Civil Defence CorpsA folder entitled ‘Soldier’s Letters 1917-1918’, mostly addressed ‘Dear Nurse’ to Mary StricklandA folder of newspaper cuttings Jan 1977 to ..., a further folder of press cuttings of reviews of Cynthia Asquith’s diaries, 1968 and other booksA marbled paper notebook entitled ‘Last Will and Testament of Mary Constance Wemyss’ dated March 9th 1929A manuscript poem by Herbert Asquith ‘Youth in the Skies’ with his accopmpanying letter, dated 1940An envelope of letters and ephemera relating to J. M. Barrie including two copies each of Stanway Mysteries programmes for ‘The Wheel’ and ‘Where was Simon’ by Barrie, nine signed manuscripts letters by J. M. Barrie, all to ‘Lady Mary Strickland’ at various addresses, 1923-1936Folders of LettersFolder entitled ‘Cynthia Asquith to her sister Mary’ but containing various letters including one manuscript letter from Augustus John, September 19, 1936 to Lady Mary regarding his works in Chelsea portraits and advance for his portrait of Mary and another letter from Augustus John regarding the same; a typewritten autograph letter to Lady Mary from Anthony Powell, 1977Folder of Letters to Mary Lyon on occasion of Cynthia Asquith’s death, amongst others by Osbert Sitwell, ‘Bibs’ Plymouth, Denis Mackail, Lord Tavistock, etc.Five folders of letters from Mary Strickland/Charteris to her mother (1899-1937)A folder of letters entitled ‘Bibs’ Plymouth (1910s-1920s)A folder of letters from Denis Mackail 1920s-1960sFive letters from Wilfred Scawen Blunt to Mary Constance Wyndham Countess Wemyss (1862-1937) [with whom she allegedly had an affair] including one poem dedicated to herAn extensive collection of letters dating circa 1899-1978 to Mary Strickland from various correspondents including from Wilfrid Scawen Blunt, Sir Walter Raleigh, George Vernon, Cynthia Asquith, various members of the Asquith, Wemyss and Charteris family, Denis Mackail, Augustus John, H. G. Wells, Violet Bonham Carter, Henry Yorke, Hugo Charteris, Osbert Sitwell, L. P. Jacks, Joan Webster-Young, Sybell Fulford , Roger Fulford, Anne Fleming and others Lady Mary was the adopted daughter of Percy Scawen Wyndham. Her mother was Mary Constance Charteris Wyndham and her biological father Wilfrid Scawen Blunt. Wyndham and her siblings and their spouses were members of The Souls, an elite English social group. She and her two sisters were the subjects of John Singer Sargent's 1899 painting The Wyndham Sisters.Mary was first married to Algernon (Tom) Strickland, who died in 1938, her second husband was Major John (Jack) Lyon, whom she married in 1943. Her older sister was the author and society hostess Lady Cynthia Asquith, married to Herbert Asquith, younger son of the Liberal Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith, who was Prime Minister at the outbreak of the First World War. Mary lost both her brothers during the war in quick succession, Yvo Alan Charteris in October 1915 and Hugo Francis Charteris (Lord Elcho) in April 1916. She resided both at Stanway House (her family home) and Apperley Court (family home of the Strickland's).Her fascinating diaries span the early years of a young Mary Strickland, documenting the outbreak of the First World War and its aftermath, nursing duties, attending seances with her mother, escapades to London and household and society gossip. Through her sister Lady Cynthia Asquith, the English writer and socialite, she was well connected with the literary elite and through her brother-in-law's family, she gained intriguing insights into the political machinations at the time. The diaries intersperse major international events with the comparative monotony of daily life in a country house and seemingly endless letter writing. An avid correspondent, the diary also documents, alongside original letters, the death in service of her brother Yvo in Gallipoli. The diaries describe varied events, from an altercation with her maid at Harrods, lunch at 10 Downing Street, bombs dropped in London, dinner with H.G. Wells, descriptions of her nursing duties during WWI at Winchcombe Hospital, her husband's imprisonment in Turkey and country house visits interspersed by reports and commentary on the events and battles of the First World War.Alongside the diaries, the archive includes extensive correspondence and documents spanning most of the 20th century with letters from literary figures such as H.G. Wells, J. M. Barrie, Denis Mackail and Osbert Sitwell alongside the family correspondence.Lady Mary Charteris pictured in the Tatler at the time of her engagement to Lieutenant Algernon W. Strickland of the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars.

WILLIAMSBURG F.A. M'FACTORY A FINE CASED REPRODUCTION .36 PERCUSSION U.S. HISTORICAL SOCIETY LEE COMMEMORATIVE COLT 1851 NAVY REVOLVER, serial no. 412, of a limited edition of 2500 circa 1984, with blued octagonal 7 1/2in. barrel overlaid with gilt scrolls and arabesques, a panel on the top-flat bordering the word 'LEE', minimal Birmingham proof marks under rammer, the decoration continued on the blued open iron frame, the plain six-shot cylinder with decorated gilt bands flanking a series of American Civil War scenes, blued hammer with gilt borderlines, blued trigger, fully gold plated grip-straps and trigger guard, smooth walnut grip inlet on the left side at head with a 'ROBERT E. LEE' medallion, the whole appearing unused and in its maker's wood presentation case with decorated leather panel inset into the top of lid, the interior lined and compartmented in Confederate Grey velvet, a further inset panel inside the lid stating 'THE OFFICIAL ROBERT E. LEE COMMEMORATIVE PISTOL AUTHORISED BY THE U.S. HISTORICAL SOCIETY', complete with special silver-plated Dixon flask and a cap-tin initialled 'R.E. LEE', together with original papers and proof certificate S1 - Sold as a Section 1 Firearm under the 1968 Firearms Act

Revell - Airfix - 21st Century Toys - A boxed group of plastic model kits, including vehicles, aircraft and boats in various scales. Lot includes Airfix #06178 Lockheed L-1011-1 Tristar; Revell #04254 Airbus A310 Interflugu / Luftwaffe; 21st Century Toys #22201 1:32 Macchi C.205 Veltro and similar. The Frog 'HMS Trafalgar' kit, Pyro Civil War 'Blockade Runner' kit and the Trumpeter 'Aer Lingus' all appear relatively Good but are incomplete the boats missing instructions, and the plane is missing a canopy. The majority of the rest of the lot are presumed to be in Mint condition being in factory sealed boxes. A few kits are open with loose parts and parts on sprues in clear plastic bags and appear to contain instructions and decals. Boxes appear to range Fair Plus - Excellent with some general wear. All kits are unchecked for completeness. (This does not constitute a guarantee) (K)

HERALD - LONE STAR - BARDI - a quantity of painted and unpainted, branded and unbranded, plastic soldiers. Lone Star knights and WWII figures, Herald American Civil War and Bardi WWII soldiers noted, together with unmarked larger scale Roman chariot and legionaries. The figures are playworn and have not been checked for completeness. (This does not constitute a guarantee.) [GM]