We found 26845 price guide item(s) matching your search
There are 26845 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribe- List
- Grid
-
26845 item(s)/page
Coquilles, an R. Lalique opalescent and polished glass bowl, the exterior moulded in relief with four stylised shells, wheel etched mark to underside21cm diameterA couple of minor nicks to rim (barely visible), otherwise in good overall condition, very light scratching commensurate with age and use.
CRIMEAN WAR. Provost-Marshal William Donald MacDonald, 93rd (Sutherland Highlanders) Regiment of Foot Four autograph letters signed to his mother, father, and sister, Mary, June 1854 - February 1855, written from Balaklava and Scutari, totalling 13 sides, some letters with multiple date entries. Sold with full typed transcripts for each letter. The letters offer firsthand accounts of military movements, daily life, and the realities of war during the early period of the Crimean campaign. Some excerpts include:Scutari and Varna, June 1854Macdonald's letter to his sister Mary begins with gratitude for correspondence from home and transitions into detailed accounts of military operations. He describes the combined British, French, and Turkish forces assembling near Varna, expressing optimism for their campaign: "What various rumours we hear daily respecting the war and the probabilities of peace... the combined army will present so respectable an appearance that I can almost fancy your reading some day about 20th July, in the Times, by Elec. Telegraph, important victory etc etc.” Remarking on daily activities, "I have now plenty to do, out riding about from 8am to 6pm only coming home to get another horse & passed by having to prosecute some natives before the Pasha or soldiers before their Col(onel): I am going to prosecute 5 natives today for being concerned in firing into our Artillery camp, one of them will certainly come to great (bastinadoed)" (foot whipped). He captures the volatile local atmosphere: "Everyone here is armed with guns, pistols & knives. I never go out without some sort of weapon & the inhabitants think nothing of human life." He praises the Turkish troops: “I saw some of these latter drilling yesterday & they made a very respectable appearance.”Macdonald details his personal circumstances, including his establishment of horses and staff: “On the whole though unlucky I am contented with my establishment which consists of self & 3 horses, an Interpreter & 2 servants.” Reflecting on his surroundings, he describes Varna: "Varna is a tolerable place for a town in Turkey, but still it is as bad as the meanest village in England."Scutari, February 1855 Addressed to his mother, this letter captures the grim realities of wartime mortality and hospital conditions. Macdonald contrasts traditional funerals with the harrowing scenes at Scutari: “50-60 dead bodies [are] huddled in one large hole daily, one service read over the whole & that is all.” He highlights the staggering death toll: “In the month of January 1482 were buried here alone, not reckoning the Crimea, Varna... Malta & Corfu where we have respectively 1000, 400, 250 & 460 sick.”The logistical challenges of managing the sick and wounded dominate his narrative: “The officers really available for work here are 6 in number which gives them plenty to do.” Despite the bleak conditions, he conveys a glimmer of optimism as he notes improvements: “An officer just come in from the Crimea has told me matters are greatly improved within the last few days so it is really to be hoped they will continue improving.”Balaklava, Crimea, December 1854 This letter, addressed to his father, showcases the campaign's challenging logistics and labour-intensive efforts. Macdonald describes the vast scale of labour: “300 Highlanders & 200 Marines 400 French troops are daily employed carrying 10-inch shells from this to the heights – 2 men to each shell & 500 Turks carry gabions, fascines, planking for guns to rest on & to build houses.”He recounts the strain between the British and French forces: “The French are very much annoyed with us at our shortcomings in the line of the Commissariat.” He also notes the anticipation of significant military action: "We are all expecting something great to come off about the New Year so many heavy guns & large shot & shell having gone up of late.” Macdonald offers personal insights, such as his remarks on Russian deserters under his command: “Out of 14 only one could sign his name, but all are contented with their lot.” Lastly, he reflects on his career prospects, hoping for recognition: “I am looking forward to when this is ended being made a Bt Major shd [should] I have performed my work satisfactorily.” Footnote: Lieutenant-Colonel William Donald Macdonald (b.1827, Scotland - d.1862, India) Footnote:Wiliam Donald Macdonald, born 15th September 1827. Married Emma Lindsay, 30th Augst 1860. His brother, Major Henry Macdonald, Bengal Infantry, was murdered at Fort Michni, 1873. Tablet it St. John's Church, Peshawar - "Sacred to the memory of Lt Colonel William Donald Macdonald of Sandside, Deputy Lieutenant and Justice of the peace of the county of Caithness, Scotland, who died of cholera while commanding the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders at Camp Jalozai on the 29th October 1862 aged 35 years. Macdonald served in the Crimea as Provost-Marshal, promoted to Brevet-Major on 25th December 1856. Deputy Assistant Adjutant General to the forces in China from 23rd March to 19th November 1857. Subsequently with the 93rd in the Indian Mutiny. Macdonald had the Crimean Medal with clasps for Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann and Sebastopol, Turkish Medal, 5th Class of the Medjidie and the Indian Medal with clasp for the capture of Lucknow.
The First World War pocket diary of Private James McDonald, No.307558, 14th and 1/8th Royal Warwickshire Regiment. France and Italy, December 1916 to 12th July 1918. A compact diary measuring 3 x 5 inches, with 76 filled pages of daily entries documenting Private McDonald’s service during WW1. The diary includes detailed accounts of his training, movements, experiences in the trenches, and encounters on the Western and Italian fronts. Sold together with a full typed transcription. Notable Entries:24th December 1916: "Left Chiseldon for France on the 24th Dec 1916 - Marched to Chiseldon Stn accomp(anied) by Brass & Flute bands. They played Gren(adier) Guards, Tipp(errary), The Girl I Left Behind Me and as the train went off they played 'The Swanee River' & Auld Lang Syne. Arrived in S(ou)th Hampton at 11.320am. Left ditto at 8.15pm with the transport ship H.M.S Victoria."1st February 1917: "Issued with 3 bombs. 50 rounds amm(unition). Ready to proceed up the line taking over the French position. Left at 4pm arrived at 8pm Peronne District. Support trenches. Western Front Gas Guard."4th February 1917: "Painful duty of burying the dead. Very bad night of shells, snipers, a hot time. Out from 1am coming back we lost our way, had to wait in a dugout until morning, unsafe to go out."18th March 1917: "Arrived at Halle 2am. Patrol duty the whole night. No sleep very tired. The Germans evacuate. Marched on to Maimont then Peronne (City). The last Germans must have left this city time ago. No sign of any Boches. Was one shot coming through the city. What a city of destruction, burning b(ui)ld(ing)s a sad sight. (On sentry). Bridges blown up. Was brought across the canal on ponte (RE). The wells poisoned with arsenic (lovely day)."16th August 1917: "Left between 4am-5am marched to Canal Bank had breakfast there. What a quantity of batteries we saw on our road up. Left Canal Bank 7.15am. Excitement commences. Passed through a heavy barrage of fire shells dropping quite close to us. Had to change our route shell drops right by our side. Got a shower bath it landing in a hole full of water. Met a lot of British & German soldiers coming down the line. Got into a trench where we were sniped at a great deal, two chaps gets wounded in this trench."22nd August 1917: "Left at 12.45am for the Canal Bank to be in reserve. We had to (put) on our gas helmets before leaving camp owing to gas shells (Mustard Gas). It did make our eyes water."1st November 1917 - 15th December 1917: A sequence of entries detailing McDonald's admission to hospital, confinement to bed, and recovery before returning to duty.6th January 1918: "Arrived at San Remo. Stopped there for a short time ... Italian ladies & gentlemen gave us cigs, matches & (?) there, arrived at Aquatic. All along the way the Italians gave us a grand reception."27th April 1918: "Out on a forward position from 5am to 8pm. One of our Company's made a stunt. 1 prisoner taken. What a night of rain. Slpt through the bombard(ment). Never heard it." Condition:Binding is secure but the covers are dog eared with a fold to the front top right and a damp stain to the lower left, alongside losses to spine - please see photos
A dyed green chalcedony ring, with an oval dyed green chalcedony cabochon, claw set to a scalloped mount, into shoulders with incised scallop shells, upon a flat section shank, stamped 750, tested as approximately 18ct gold, 9.28g Ring size R½Buying this gemstone ring at auction could save up to 0.42 tonnes of CO2e compared to buying new. Condition ReportA little dirty. Would benefit from being cleaned. Minor marks and scratches to surfaces.
A Victorian earthenware jardinière of ovoid form with blue and white transfer decoration of shells, flowers and river landscapes, fitted with integral twin carrying handles49cm wide34cm deep23cm highCondition Reportchips to rim, staining to interior base. No repair to the handles. Please see additional images.
A George III silver swing handle basket by Thomas Robins, London 1809, of rectangular boat shape, the gadrooned border interspersed by scallop shells, acanthus and other leaves, plain body raised on a square spreading base, the swing handle with lion passant and duty mark with part feathered and part reeded decoration, the body engraved twice with leopards head crest and later inscription L.A. White 1885, 33.5 x 25.5cm, (13x10ins.), 1190gms., (38.2ozs.)
A PAIR OF POTTERY VASES MODELLED AS NAUTILUS SHELLS ENGLISH, THIRD QUARTER 19TH CENTURY Partially decorated in pink, 26cm high Condition Report: One with large firing crack and a body crack. Both stained. The gilt rim on both badly rubbed. Otherwise no significant damage or restoration detected.Condition Report Disclaimer
A PINCHBECK CHATELAINE MID 18TH CENTURY Chased with reclining nudes, flowers and C-scrolls, suspending two thimble cases and an etui, the thimble cased chased with cherub masks and C-scrolls, the etui with cherubs, shells and C-scrolls, opening to a pair of scissors, a pen knife and two spoons Dimensions: 20cm long Provenance: Private Collection
This lot features a set of four antique oyster plates by Union Porcelain Works, each intricately molded to resemble shells and oysters. The set includes four round plates, all hand-painted with delicate shades of pink, blue, and beige. The markings on the underside of the plates show the Union Porcelain Works (U.P.W.) mark, along with a patent date of January 4, 1881. The design showcases excellent craftsmanship, with naturalistic details that evoke the charm of coastal living. These plates are ideal for collectors of antique porcelain and coastal-themed decor. Issued: c. 1881Dimensions: 8.5"LCondition: Age related wear.
A breathtaking sterling silver footed bowl by Whiting Manufacturing Co., adorned with a meticulously applied copper crab in high relief. The hammered silver surface enhances the craftsmanship, while delicate oceanic motifs, including cattails, branches, shells, and marine elements, encircle the bowl in stunning detail. The copper accents add a striking contrast, showcasing the artistry of Whiting Manufacturing Co. The base is stamped with the Whiting logo, STERLING, and the model number 880 A, ensuring its authenticity and quality. 750g. Issued: Late 19th to early 20th centuryDimensions: 3"H x 8" dia. Country of Origin: United StatesCondition: Age related wear.
A collection of items: two Tibetan shells, one a nautilus (19.5cm) both with embossed white metal mounts and blue velvet interiors, a Barbara Cattle cake slice with hallmarked silver handle Harrison Bros, Sheffield 1987, a Victorian hallmarked butter knife, Birmingham, George Unite with mother of pearl handle, an ebony box with hallmarked silver corner mounts London, 1921 maker WR, a papier mache cased set of folding glasses, a papier mache lidded box and some coins.
A fine quality, heavy gauge five-piece Elizabeth II silver tea and coffee service - C. J. Vander Ltd., London 1963, retailer's stamps for 'H. H. Plante, Bury St', comprising a teapot, coffee pot, hot water jug, cream jug and covered two-handled sugar basin, decorated with chased bands of strapwork with shells, diaper panels and foliate pendants, the covers with a raised six-pointed foliate star, composition handles, the coffee pot 20.2cm high, gross weight 3271g.
An Edwardian Mahogany Kneehole Dressing Table in the Sheraton Manner the top with wide satinwood banding, fitted three drawers inlaid with boxwood stringings, with brass lions mask and ring handles, the arched inlaid with shells motifs within chequered borders, on four square tapered legs, 42ins wide x 20.75ins deep x 28.5ins high
A 19th Century Sevres Pate-Sur-Pate Celadon Glazed Porcelain Oval Two-Handled Jardiniere, of bold shaped outline decorated to the front and back with a reclining female with Cupid in attendance, framed within moulded borders, with bearded mask scroll work, shells and bull rushes 32ins wide x 20ins high, printed mark to interior S67, supported on two ormolu dolphins, on red veined marble plinth, 22ins wide Note: Thought to have been made for the Paris Universal Exhibition This has been extensively restored, the full extent of which cannot be determined, around the rim, ends and main body.There is flaking to the overpainted enamel/glaze to either end both blue and green areas, rather extensive flaking to the interior at the base. Some light pitting to the white glaze sections. Some 'marks' on the white glaze do come off when scraped with a fingernail.Marble base - there is a crack in the face of the edge running from the base diagonally up to the top, to the right centre. Further along there is an infilled crack. Scattered chips to edges along the top and base.Light rubbing to the highlights of the gilding.
A 19th Century pressed glass sugar bowl by Edward Moore, the slice cut pedestal below a wrythen fluted shallow bowl with matched rim, in an opalescent caramel colour, Rd number 58275 (7th October 1886), together with a similar period Edward Moore twin preserve of sweetmeat in the form of two shells in opal, and a small turquoise and white malachite jug. (3)
A COLLECTION OF UNUSUAL ROYAL DOULTON AND DOULTON LAMBETH STONEWARE (9). to include a Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic movement ruffled rim cream jug with a woven pierced handle, a Doulton Lambeth stoneware vase decorated with fish, others decorated with floral foliage and sea shells etc, various marks and makers, largest 13cm high (9). *Condition: Good condition, no damage.
A GOOD SIZE REGENCY CIRCULAR GILT CONVEX MIRROR. the circular convex plate within a reeded ebonised slip and sphere applied inner moulded frame, surmounted by a hippocampus crest and lower acanthus leaf apron centred by a lion mask, 120cm high, 72cm diameter. *Condition: the majority of ball spheres lacking gilt gesso to the outer shells, a good decorative mirror.
A RARE VAUXHALL PICKLE STAND, CIRCA 1758. Formed as three scallop shells boldly picked out in blue, another shell mounted in the centre to form a handle, six smaller shells applied around it, 19.5cm wide Provenance - The Howell Collection, Bonhams 14/11/2018. *Condition: a rare and decorative piece, very minor chip to top of centre shell, hairline cracks to base.
A Regency penwork counter Box with shellsoctagonal wooden counter box with intricate decorative chinoiserie scenes, central image depicting two figures on swing whilst another adjudicates proceedings, rest of exterior adorned with highly detailed and stylised floral and fauna motifs, with a quantity of shells inside of box (qty)length 27.5cm., height 6.5cm.Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age, loss of colour found on parts of penwork. Without key to lock box.
A Bow porcelain four-tiered sweetmeat stand, c.1755, with ten shells arranged on pillars of shell-encrusted and polychrome rockwork, the interiors painted with chinoiserie foliate motifs,23cm wide23cm deep43cm highCondition ReportOld break to one of the bottom tiers, some pieces present but not all. Area of in-fill to the base. Some small chips and nibbles to the decoration but otherwise in good order. Please see additional images.
Militaria. A WWI artillery gun shell box, subsequently used by the King's Troop Royal Artillery for royal salutes in Hyde Park, to hold six 13lb shells, afterwards used as a drink/picnic case by the officer's mess, originally green painted, 35cm h; 36 x 40cm Provenance: Lieutenant Colonel Noel Carding MBE Good restored condition
A rare 19th century mariner's box of shells, the mahogany box with cross banding and marquetry lid in the form of a compass, containing a collection of shells and mineral samples on two layers, with lift out tray, dimensions; 40cm wide, 35cm deep, 13cm high. Condition - fair, some damage and cross banding missing, and lock missing.

-
26845 item(s)/page