A very nicely executed HM Silver Birmingham 1911 Horses Hoof ink well. It is in the style of the 19th century Horse Hoof mounted inkwell’s which were often removed from deceased horses as proof of death and not stolen or sold off. Horseshoe pattern lid and complete with glass ink well insert. approx. 9 cm.
Very good condition. $575
A mid to early 17TH CENTURY GERMAN POWDER FLASK, of characteristic flattened horn form, with iron mounts, the sides decorated with foliage and Vignette of huntsman, the rear decorated with panels of concentric circles dating it to circa 1620.
Originally purchased from PETER DALE in London 40 years ago.
A PERSONAL ITEM OF FIELD MARSHALL WILLIAM BIRDWOOD
A late 18th Century George 111 Commode which has been converted to a bedside cabinet or small writing desk. The significance of this piece is that it was formally the property of Lord Birdwood (Field-Marshall the Lord William Birdwood, GCB, GCSI, GCMG, GCVO, CIE, DSO. Barron Birdwood of Anzac and of Totnes). Lord Birdwood had family in Western Australia and the grand-daughter sold a number of his personal effects in a Gregson’s Auction in 1991.
Galleried top with cut out handles. Tambour front and in the Chippendale style. Comes complete with Auctioneers letter of provenance and some research. It was even suggested that this item went ashore at Gallipoli among Birdwood’s smaller items of creature comfort.
Good condition $6750
Extremely rare personal rank insignia for KAISER WILHELM 11 on an original pattern card with embossed gilt and colour cypher of the Emperor and Empress.
This insignia not only has the crown over the cypher but also the crossed batons signifying a Prussian General Field Marshal.
It is understood that this insignia was worn on the Field grey uniform of 1915 for the No.1 Regiment Konig-Jager (cavalry).
Extremely rare and in exceptional condition. $1685
Extremely rare personal rank insignia for KAISER WILHELM 11 on original pattern card with embossed gilt cypher of the Emperor and Empress.
This insignia not only has the crown over the cypher but also the crossed batons signifying a Prussian General Field Marshal.
It is understood that this insignia was worn on the Field grey uniform of 1915 and could be classed as a general pattern.
Extremely rare and in exceptional condition. $1585
Original artwork from the well known book "Deeds That Thrilled The Empire". Artwork signed John F. Campbell deplicting Private J. W. Hughes Royal Fusilliers winning his DCM. Size displayed 13.5 inches by 19.25 inches. Originally purchased from London Stamp exchange over 25 years ago. These original works rarely come on the market.
Very Good condition $1850
Original artwork from the well known book "Deeds That Thrilled The Empire". Artwork signed A. Pearse deplicting Private T. G. Turrall 10th Bn. Worcestershire Rgt. winning his Victoria Cross at La Boiselle 3/7/1916. Size displayed 14.25 inches by 20.5 inches. Originally purchased from London Stamp exchange over 25 years ago. These original works rarely come on the market.
Very Good Condition $2250
A 19th century gilt bronze model of the Napoleon Vendome Column, Paris. Officially titled the “Colonne de la Grande Armée” it was seen as the most important symbol of Paris during the 19th century and its complex history explains why.
In 1803 the First Consul confirmed the plan to erect a column in Vendôme equal to that of the Roman column of Trajan. The columns design was undertaken by Lepère and Gondoin, made from melting 1200 Austrian and Russian artillery pieces won in the recent campaigns. The inscription at the base reads: ‘Monument erected to the glory of Napoleon the Great’s Grande Armée, begun on 25 August 1806 and finished 15 August 1810’.
The column itself comprises of a stone core enrobed with 425 bronze plaques fixed to the stone with pins. Designed by Bergeret the 280 metre-long frieze (or plaques), wrap around the column depicting the major events of the recent campaign. The column begins at the camp in Boulogne and ends with the return of the Emperor and his guard in 1806. Sculptures such as Boizot, Bosio, Bartolini, Ramey, Rude, Corbet, Clodion and Ruxthiel were all commissioned to execute this frieze.
Initially the column was crowned with a statue by Chaudet of The Emperor in Roman dress but was taken down by the Allies in 1814 and replaced by a flag bearing the fleurs de lys. It was then under the July Monarchy a further replacement statue was made by Seurre showing Napoleon as the ‘Little Corporal’ (a statue today held in the Invalides). Eventually during the Second Empire, a copy of Chaudet’s initial statue designed by Dumont was hoisted to the top of the column to replace the unpopular “Little Corporal” by Seurre.
The column was targeted one final time and dismantled during the “Commune” under the direction of Gustave Courbet due to it being a symbol of militarism and imperialism. Then in 1873 it was finally re-erected and restored to its former glory with Courbet being ordered to pay the costs for this himself, which payment was received as Courbet died shortly after.
This stunning bronze manages to transfer the history, skill and pride all associated to the original column with its flawless attention to detail. A beautiful, well executed bronze period piece.
18 in. (46cm) high $3500
