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CRIMEAN WAR. Captain Henry William Heaton, 14th (Buckinghamshire) Regiment of Foot. Four autograph letters signed, 24th December 1855 - 16th June 1856, to his mother. Contents mainly discuss personal matters and the conditions. Sold together with an article cutting of monuments at the Crimea and Scutari, two further related press cuttings and nine pen and watercolour drawings including the British and Turkish flags, battle scenes and the Malakoff. Sold with full typed transcriptions of the letters. Excerpts include: Camp Sebastopol, Christmas Eve 1855 Heaton writes of the practicalities of winter encampment, including the importance of building stables to protect ponies from the cold. He also humorously recounts dealing with rats in his quarters: "You will be glad to hear that my cat has cleared off all the rats or nearly so now. Now & then they pay me a visit - you sometimes find a huge beast in your bed." Heaton assures his mother that his face has recovered from rat bites and describes the management of clothing by the officers’ servants: "Our servants do [wash our clothes]. They manage very well." (Part letter, with the remainder transcribed and held in the National Library of Wales.)Constantinople, Wednesday, 26th March 1856 Heaton comments on the uncertainty of troop movements while stationed in Constantinople: "We are to leave at 4 o'clock, at least report says so, but our departure has so often been put off I can't feel at all certain that we shall go this evening." He expresses his impatience with the current location: "I hope we shall, very much, for I have had quite enough of this place." Heights before Balaklava, 25th May 1856 Heaton describes a "Trench Ball" held to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday, which he attended alongside French and Russian guests. His account humorously details his experiences dancing: "You would have laughed to have seen me in the tender embrace of a Frenchman flying about the room in the waltz... The most amusing part of my performance was a quadrille with an old Frenchwoman... she put her arms around my waist and twirled me about like a whip top."Heaton also discusses the presentation of French war medals to selected soldiers and criticizes the Emperor’s allocation: "I certainly think the Emperor was most shabby not to give to the officers as well... The medal is a very pretty one and I would have given a great deal to have got one." Footnote:Henry William Heaton was born on 18th July 1833 at Osmond Thorp, Leeds, Yorkshire, the son of William, a Worsted Spinner Master and Amelia Maria Heaton. Henry enlisted as Ensign, without purchase, into the 14th Regt of Foot on 22nd December 1854. He married Fanny Gardiner at the Parish Church, Halifax on 17th December 1857. London Gazette 11th January 1861: Commission signed by the Queen - 3rd Manchester or 40th Lancashire Rifle Volunteer Corps. Henry William Heaton, late of 14th Foot, to be Adjutant from 8th December 1860. His first wife, Fanny, died on 15th June 1875 and Henry re-married to Anne Hodgkinson of Bowden on 18th April 1876. Anne died on 30th June 1898 and Henry married Jessie Elizabeth Gamble on 11th October 1901. In the census of the same year, he is listed as Agent to the Earl of Ellesmere, living at Hotel Metropole, St. Martin in the Field, Strand, London. He died on 27th February at his home in Highfield, Worsley, Manchester and was buried on Wednesday 2nd March at St. Mark's Church. Extract from the Nottingham Evening Post, Monday 29th February 1904: "Captain Henry William Heaton died suddenly at Worsley from heart failure. Capt. Heaton served with the 14th Foot Regiment and was in the Crimean campaign. He was one of the best shots in the country and has figured in the English representative eight. He was keenly interested in the Shire Horse Society, was an authority on game fowl, and was considered one of the best judges of shire horses, pigs and pigeons in the country. He was for many years steward to the Earl of Ellesmere, and was in his 71st year."

Light Cavalry Brigade in the Crimea - Extracts from the Letters and Journal of the Late Gen. Lord George Paget. 1st edn, 345p, with a fold-out map. Published by John Murray, 1881, in original black cloth with gilt lettering, rampant lion crest on front, some spotting and foxing throughout including affecting the map.

CRIMEAN WAR. Cornwallis, Major Fiennes. Letters written from the Crimea, to Several Members of His family, by the late Major Fiennes Cornwallis. Privately printed, 1868. Thin 8vo, iv + 122p. Some light browning, original gilt letter cloth, rebacked with much of original spine laid down. Inscribed in pencil to front free endpaper '? Theobald given by Mrs Wykeham Martin May 1869'.Major Fiennes Cornwallis, born Fiennes Wykeham-Martin (1831-1867). British Army officer and related to the Cornwallis family. Served in the Crimean War with the 4th Light Dragoons and participated in the Charge of the Light Brigade, becoming aide-de-camp to Lord George Paget in the Crimea. Retired from the Army on 5th May 1863 with the rank of Major and died a few years later on 24th April 1867 in a hunting accident.

PRISONER OF WAR ART - Percy P. Wood (British b.1877) A group of three First World War original drawings created at the Ruhleben internment camp in Germany, illustrated in pen, crayon and watercolour, comprising 'The Four Corners of the Ruhlysian Fields', dated 1918, 'Impressions of a Jagg Cricket Match Ruhleben' and 'Maiden Efforts in Water-colour, Ruhleben, May 1918, each signed, unframed, 36cm x 25cm Percy Wood was born in Hull in 1877. According to citizen registries, he worked in Berlin as a language teacher. When the outbreak of the First World War necessitated the round-up of all foreign 'aliens', Wood was held at Ruhleben internment camp alongside other male citizens of the Allied Powers who were living, studying, working or on holiday in Germany at the outbreak of World War I. They also included the crews of several civilian ships stranded in German harbours or captured at sea. There were numerous fishermen captured from trawlers which had been sunk in the North Sea in the first days of the war: they were mainly men from Hull, Yorkshire; and Grimsby and Boston, Lincolnshire. Numbers in the camp varied between 4,000 and 5,500 prisoners, most of them British. The German authorities adhered to the Geneva Convention and allowed the camp detainees to administer their own internal affairs. Gradually, a mini-society evolved. Letters, books, sports equipment, and a printing press were all allowed into the camp, and the detainees organised their own police force, magazines, library, and postal service. The latter, known as the Ruhleben Express Delivery, was organised by Albert Kamps and began operating in July 1915. Soon, it was handling over 6,000 pieces of mail per month, and 16 different postage stamps were issued. In April 1916, however, the German postal authorities declared the service illegal, and it ceased operating. Wood is noted as an artist for several of the camp magazine publications, alongside sending work home to family in England. He is further recorded as holding an exhibition of humorous drawings in the studio at Ruhleben in April 1917 alongside fellow camp artists Wade and Walker. Condition:The Four Corners picture has a small damp stain, please see photographs Please note the cricket illustration is signed 'Podwop' and might be by a different artist, but is inscribed to D.P Wood on the reverse, please see images

PRISONER OF WAR ART - Percy P. Wood (British b.1877) Three humorous pen and watercolour drawings created at the Ruhleben internment camp in Germany, comprising 'Pouring Sardine Oil on Troubled Doors', 'Life in a Loft, A Musical Box, Going to Roost, Up With the Lark' (four scenes around camp); and 'Cutting Comic Figures' (ice skating), each signed and dated 1917 and 1918, unframed, 25cm x 18cm up to 35cm x 24cm, with inscribed and printed stamps to the reverse including a Ruhleben ink stamp Percy Wood was born in Hull in 1877. According to citizen registries, he worked in Berlin as a language teacher. When the outbreak of the First World War necessitated the round-up of all foreign 'aliens', Wood was held at Ruhleben internment camp alongside other male citizens of the Allied Powers who were living, studying, working or on holiday in Germany at the outbreak of World War I. They also included the crews of several civilian ships stranded in German harbours or captured at sea. There were numerous fishermen captured from trawlers which had been sunk in the North Sea in the first days of the war: they were mainly men from Hull, Yorkshire; and Grimsby and Boston, Lincolnshire. Numbers in the camp varied between 4,000 and 5,500 prisoners, most of them British. The German authorities adhered to the Geneva Convention and allowed the camp detainees to administer their own internal affairs. Gradually, a mini-society evolved. Letters, books, sports equipment and a printing press were all allowed into the camp, and the detainees organised their own police force, magazine, library and postal service. The latter, known as the Ruhleben Express Delivery, was organised by Albert Kamps and began operating in July 1915. Soon it was handling over 6,000 pieces of mail per month, and 16 different postage stamps were issued. In April 1916, however, the German postal authorities declared the service illegal, and it ceased operating. Wood is noted as an artist for several of the camp magazine publications, alongside sending work home to family in England. He is further recorded as holding an exhibition of humorous drawings in the studio at Ruhleben in April 1917 alongside fellow camp artists Wade and Walker.

CRIMEAN WAR - A series of nine lengthy autograph letters signed by Veterinary Surgeon Matthew J Harpley, Royal Artillery. Sebastopol, 18th October - 17th December 1854, to his family. Content documents multiple military actions, including an account of the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade during the Battle of Balaclava and the immediate aftermath. Sold with complete typed transcriptions. 40 pages total, of which many are cross-written. Several letters with multiple date entries.Excerpts include: 28th October, 1854 Harpley describes the unfolding of the infamous charge, noting the tragic loss suffered by the Light Brigade: “800 sabres charged, 190 only returned, the remainder being killed, wounded or taken Prisoner.” The miscommunication that led to this disastrous attack is detailed, with the writer recounting how “Lord Cardigan said, ‘Who am I to charge?’ The answer he received was, ‘There, Sir, is your Enemy, charge them.'" Despite questioning the command, “The taunt was enough,” leading to an assault that saw “Russian gunners being cut down at their guns” but resulted in devastating British losses.The vulnerability of the British position is underscored by the failure of the Turkish troops, described as “the miserable Troops of Silistria,” who “threw off their knapsacks and ran as hard as their legs would carry them … without scarcely firing a shot.” This abandonment exposed the British forces, enabling the Russians to capture nine cannons: “As they did not spike their guns, the Russians took the 9 and still have possession of them.”The letter also praises the steadfastness of the 93rd Highlanders, “the only Regiment on the plain,” who repelled the Russian advance and made them “retreat as fast as they came.” The writer observes the French forces’ decisive actions, recounting how they “made a splendid charge with their Cavalry up a Hill, charged a Russian Field Battery, spiked their guns, and retired without suffering any serious loss.”The chaotic nature of the battle is conveyed, including the writer’s near encounter with danger: “I thought I heard the heavy firing was going on … but soon discovered I was unexpectedly near to them, for the shot and shell fell very near to me.” He reflects grimly on the unreliability of the Turkish troops, noting Sir Colin Campbell’s biting remark: “3000 more Turks had landed. What was to be done with them? His order was, ‘Send them to the devil, the sooner they are there, the better.’” And much more in other letters. Inspection recommended for full contents.

A WWI BRITISH WAR MEDAL WITH A MINIATURE TRIO OF MEDALS AND A COLLECTION OF LETTERS sent from various RAF stations in the 1950's, also some pilot's notes for various aircraft, the BWM is named to 2066 Private J. Johnstone, Gordan Highlanders, he was also entitled to a 1914-1915 star and a victory medal, but these are not in this lot, the collection of personal letters all seem to have been posted from various RAF bases during the 1950's, the condition report is that the BWM has a few edge knocks and has the wrong ribbon on it, also included is a military shot bucket approx. 525 mm tall,  displaying  a Royal Coat of Arms, missing leather handle, with tin liner approx. 14 cm wide and a vintage pilot cap trinket box, dark blue and cream painted with gold wings motif to the lid,  split to wood, worn interior and losses to paint

A large selection of WW2 era military related items, many of which relate to Captain C.G.Pegg of the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers. To include: a finely engraved aluminium hinged cigarette case, made by an Italian prisoner of war in 1944 in West Africa, and possibly made from a mess tin. The case is dedicated to Captain Pegg on the inside. One side has an engraved REME badge, and the other with the entwined letters of ‘PP’. The inside of the case features a palm tree, and an engraved tank with the details of the maker and dedication. Also, a 1939-45 War Medal, Defence Medal, a silver ARP badge, a silver plated identity bracelet for Captain Pegg, a small compass, 2 x silver and enamel REME sweetheart brooches (both missing pins),a gilt metal and enamel REME badge, a white metal and enamel V (victory) sweetheart brooch, a white metal and enamel Home Guard badge with button hole fitting, an officers bronze REME badge with blades, an officers bronze RAOC badge with blades, plus various collar badges, brass and gilt brass buttons, officers ‘pips’ in gilt metal, bronze and cloth versions. Condition: good to most pieces. 2 of the REME silver brooches have missing pins, and there is normal age and service wear to other pieces.

A late WW1 or WW2 era 9ct gold and enamel Royal Air Force sweetheart brooch. Designed to mimic the RAF wings badge, with the letters and crown picked out in blue and red enamels. With small ‘9ct’ mark to the reverse, and complete with its hinged pin and rollover clasp. Approximately 4.8cm across, weight 3.8g. Together with a similar late WW1 or WW2 Royal Air Force sweetheart brooch, marked to the reverse as having a ‘9ct front’, so it is assumed to be a thin layer of gold over a silver core. The piece has a makers mark, but it is rubbed, but would appear to be ‘HB&S’ which is possibly for the Birmingham company, Herbert Bushell & Son Ltd. With hinged pin and C clasp to the reverse side. Approximately 4.5cm across. Condition: very good. Intact enamel to the brooch, with no splits or repairs to either example. Both examples complete with working pins and catches.

Victoria Cross interest - An archive of post WW2 letters, all addressed to Philip Dosse,from Brigadier The Rt Honourable Sir John Smyth Bt, V.C. M.C (1893-1983_ All of the letters date from the mid 1970’s era, and all appear to relate to the reviewing of various publications sent to Smyth by Dosse, who was the founder of Hansom Books in 1947.  All but one letter are type written, with the remaining letter being entirely handwritten. All are signed in Sir John’s usual way of ‘Jackie Smyth’. Sir John Smyth was an officer in the Indian army during WW1 and WW2, with his first commission being with the 15th Ludhinia Sikhs in 1913. He earned his Victoria Cross as a 21 year Lieutenant in 1915, plus he was also awarded the Russian Order of St George 4th class, and he went on to win the Military Cross in Waziristan in 1920. Smyth commanded the 127th Infantry Brigade during WW2, and retired with the honorary rank of Brigadier. He later became a Conservative Member of Parliament, and was made a Baronet in 1956. Approximately 24 letters, with a selection shown in the images. Plus, RAF interest: a 1920’s table lighter memento from the 1928 Trans-African long distance formation flight, from Cairo to Cape Town. Comprising of a nickel plated brass lighter, mounted upon a turned bakelite base. One side of the lighter shows a map, in relief, of the Cape of Good Hope and the surrounding area. The other side is engraved ‘Cairo-Cape-Cairo Flight. March-May 1928. Sgt C.Howard’. Notes: the RAF conducted their first long distance formation Trans-African flight in 1926, led by Wing Commander C.W.H.Pulford, using a detachment of 4 Fairey IIID biplanes. Pulford’s Fairey biplane recorded almost 141 flying hours, and some 14,000 miles on the clock. It became an annual tradition for the RAF to fly this Trans-African route, with formation flights also taking place in 1927, 1928, and 1929, which gave the personnel valuable experience in establishing aerial communication between far flung corners of the British Empire. The exact reasons for the presentation of the lighter are unknown, and it’s also unknown if Sgt C.Howard was part of the flight crew in 1928, or part of the ground crew team. Approximately 11.5cm height, 5.8cm width across the base. Condition: some wear, but generally good. No chips or cracks to the bakelite base, and the lighter is securely affixed. Some very tiny chipping to the nickel plating in a couple of places, and a dent to one of the narrower sides. It’s unknown if the lighter would operate as originally intended. The documents are generally very good. Good clear text, with little wear to the papers.

A pre WW2 era German K98 leather bayonet frog. Of standard size and shape, with integrated belt loop. Embossed 1935 date stamp to the reverse, and another indistinct mark, which appears to read ‘10/JR’ and some other letters and numbers that are unreadable. The leather is a grey / brown colour, quite unlike the usual black or brown seen, though it would likely have started life being black. Approximately 22cm length. Condition: generally good. Some normal age and service wear to the surface. A small amount of degradation to the leather around the hole for the frog stud. All stitching is good, and the rivets are present. Leather still relatively supple, with a good overall colour and patina to the surface.

A Queen’s South Africa Medal with Clasp for Cape Colony, awarded to 220 Squadron Quarter Master Sergeant W.H.Milne of the Army Pay Corps. Hand engraved naming to the edge using to sloping sans serif capital letters. Notes: the QSA with Cape Colony clasp would appears to be SQMS Milne’s full entitlement. Some records additionally show the award of the 1901 South Africa clasp, but this is crossed through and noted as ‘delete’. Condition: generally good. Normal age related toning, plus light contact marks from wear. Suspension still relatively tight, and the clasp is well secured.

A scarce WW1 era Imperial German Seitengewehr M1914 (Gottscho) bayonet, complete with scabbard. Featuring wooden slab grips, with grooves cut into one side, a steel pommel and cross guard. Straight single edged blade with flattened spine and fuller. The ricasso is stamped with the makers mark for Gottscho, with a G and R within a circle, and the letters ‘BI’, plus an inspection stamp to the spine. Complete with its all steel scabbard with integral frog stud. A scarce bayonet to find, with some sources suggesting that only 27,000 were made. Approximately 52.9cm in its scabbard, blade length 36.5cm. Condition: generally good. Mostly clean blade, with some minor pitting at the ricasso. The wooden grip is missing a screw, and there is also a small possibility that the wooden grip is a later replacement. Working button release catch to the pommel. Some pitting and a few minor dents to the scabbard, plus one small screw missing.

Antique heavy 19th century livery or sea-service pattern .750” smooth bore percussion pistol. Made to military pattern with Birmingham proofs to barrel but with no makers' or government markings visible it appears to be a commercial version. In good condition and working but with screw missing from brass serpentine side strap retaining lock. Full-stocked with clean wood with some marks commensurate with age and use to a rich chestnut brown patinated finish with brass furniture. Original plain ramrod (not pivoted) The letters “JC” are stamped into the wood on the butt and butt is also marked with a small inked mark of a crown above letter, possibly “FC” which have not been identified but may be worth pursuing as an interesting investigation.

A good WW1 era Volunteer Training Corps armband for Basingstoke. Of usual form and construction, with a red wool body, and the separately applied black felt letters of ‘GR’ for George Rex. With narrow tab and nickel buckle fitting to the reverse side. Handwritten detail to the linen lining, stating that it is for ‘Basingstoke Volunteer Training Corps’, with it also having its former owner name ‘L.C. Whetham’ of the ‘No 1 Section Comm’. Notes: published records of its former owner are sparse, but there is a pension record for a Captain L.C.Whetham of the IA TC (Indian Army Training Corps), with his address being listed as Daneshill Cottage, Basingstoke, Hampshire. The medal rolls also confirm that a 2.Lieut L.C.Whetham was entitled to the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal, with the medals being issued by the Indian Office. Lewis Charles Whetham was born in circa 1877 and died in 1963. Approximately 17cm c 13cm. Condition: generally very good. Some light soiling to the inside from wear, and a little wear to the nap of the cloth from use. Tiny moth nip to the right of the letter R. Some light surface corrosion to the buckle.

A WW1 casualty medal pair, scroll, and emotive 1918 handwritten letters, awarded to 82858 Pte Tom Williams Green of the 25th Battalion King’s Liverpool Regiment. To include: the British War Medal, and Victory Medal (mounted as a pair), an additional Victory Medal named to the same man, and a framed and glazed memorial scroll name to Tom Williams Green. Additionally there are several letters, written to Pte Green’s widow, 2 of which tragically confirm the death of Tom. One letter dated October 3rd 1918 is written by 97323 Pte H.Jones of the 25th King’s Liverpool Regiment. He writes ‘Mrs Green, I am very sorry to inform you that your husband has been killed while I was walking over a field. I noticed your husband laying dead and all I could do was to take out his pay book, and other things which I handed over to our orderly for which they will be forwarded over to you’. Another letter written to Mrs Green, from 2nd Lt W.M.Robertson (dated October 24th 1918), states that he was Pte Green’s Platoon Commander when he was wounded, but ‘owing to the barrage lifting I was unable to stay beside him. He fell wounded by my side and I can assure you he was not dead and no official world has come about him to date’. He goes on to add ‘I cannot find the person who wrote and told you he was killed, but if I should find him I will see that he is punished’. A third letter, written by the Rev C.P.Thomas Chaplain 1/5th London Field Ambulance, dated November 3rd 1918 appears to confirm Pte Green’s death in action on October 2nd 1918. There are also some letters of correspondence between Pte Green’s son (Captain T.E.Green) with regards to a visit to his memorial at Loos, and in that regard there is also a black and white photograph of his name on the memorial. Notes: Tom William Green was born Bruton, Somerset, but at the time of his death he was a resident of Shepherd’s Bush in London. Published records states that Pte Green was formerly of the London Regiment, using the service number 801452. His medal entitlement is confirmed as being the pair only, and the whereabouts of his memorial plaque is unknown. The pair mounted on a bar would appear to be late issue, in this instance very late indeed, with his Medal Index Card being stamped for June 29th 1982, some 64 years after his death. Both of these medals are marked with a small R to the rim. The additional Victory Medal would have been to original period issue. The circumstances surrounding how the originals became lost is unknown, but it’s assumed that his son made the application to the medal office.

A WW2 or earlier gilt brass RAF Pathfinder badge, with hinged pin and C clasp to the reverse side. Marked for Ludlow London in raised letters on the reverse. Plus, reproduction die stamped bronze pair of Royal Flying Corps wings, with 2 blades to the reverse, a Chinese Republic gilt bronze and enamel pilots badge, as used by the USAF (Flying Tigers) - with 2 clutch pins to the reverse, raised Chinese characters, and number stamped 711, an unknown aviation badge with blue enamel central panel (possibly Swedish?), with 2 clutch pins to the reverse (one reattached), a Russian Federation 1st Class Military pilot’s badge (2 clutch pins to the reverse), and a United States Navy Observer / Flight Meteorologist’s badge. 6 items. Condition: generally good. The Pathfinder badge has a little wear to the gilt finish on the breast of the eagle, revealing the brass base metal below. All of the badges are complete with their fittings to the reverse.

A pair of early 19th century letters, written by the French Admirals, Louis Thomas Villaret-Joyeuse (1747-1812) and Étienne Eustache Bruix (1759-1805). The former dated December 5th 1801 and addressed to L’amiral Bruix, rüe Danlin No.8, with ‘Brest’ ink stamp, and number 22 ink stamp. The letter from Bruix is dated January 6th 1803. Villaret-Joyeuse was a veteran on the American Revolutionary War, French Revolutionary War, Napoleonic War, with the latter including the Saint Domingue Expedition and The Invasion of Martinique. Bruix was an Admiral and Minister of the Navy, and also a veteran of the French Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic War. Bruix was also involved in the coup d’état on November 9th 1799, where Napoleon seized power, after which, Napoleon promoted him to Admiral. Generally good condition, with some fold lines, and foxing / browning to the paper. The Villarreal-Joyeuse document has a torn away corner and both documents also appear to have been mounted in album or similar as there is glue residue along the mid fold line.

Box of train related ephemera to include: Information of the London and North Eastern Railway dated 1898-1939, MPS Staff Letters, table showing the working of the Slide Valves of Engines etc. (B.P. 21% + VAT). Items include: staff letters, printed letters, Rule books, Llanwrtyd Wells Station cash book, Time Tables, leather spine book contains copy invoices and other leather spine book contains engine records.

1883 2d die proof , without corner letters, in black on glazed card (92x60mm) endorsed ‘BEFORE HARDENING’ dated ‘27 JUL 83’, fine, scarce. SG 189var Ex ‘Verus’

1867 2s Die proof. Very fine cut to stamp size example mounted on card printed in dull pale blue without corner letters or plate numbers, produced by DLR for the 1867 Paris Exhibition. Very rare only one or two examples exist in each colour in private hands.

Autographs: 1950s-60s collection of letters signed by politicians thanking the Postmaster General for gifts of stamps, with figures including: Prime Ministers Clement Attlee (5), Harold Macmillan (8), and Alec Douglas-Home (2), Leader of the Labour Party Hugh Gaitskell, Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 5th Marquess of Salisbury, Martin Attlee, 2nd Earl Attlee (3), Prime Minister of Australia Sir Robert Menzies, and Secretery-General of the UN U Thant. Fair to fine. (22)

1871 ½d Ormond Hill die proof. Very fine example with void corner letters printed in dull lilac rose on thin hard yellowish white wove paper (26 x 23mm). Very rare and fine. Ex. Maximus (1970) Spec. DP64b, £15,000

1840-1950s well written up and illustrated old time collection housed in four albums including: pre stamp entire letters with Bishop Marks, Mulreadys, 1840 1d black many plated examples and on cover, with Plate 9 pair, 1840 2d blue (4), 1841 1d red-brown, with numbers in MC No. 1-12, many with Irish marks, 1854 1d reds with noted wmk varieties, Scots Locals 1864-79 1d rose-red plates to 225 and Plate 80 plate reconstruction, 1847 Embossed values, Surface Printed with high values, 1884 Lilac & Green with 4d,5d & 9d optd SPECIMEN, 1887-1900 Jubilees with 2d,4d,5d,6d,9d & 1/- dull green optd SPECIMEN, 1902-13 KEVII mint values mostly marginal to 1/- and used examples to 5/-, KGV with Downey Heads, Simple Cypher and Block Cypher types, noted varieties, and 1912-24 ½d & 1d imperf singles optd SPECIMEN, odd KGVI & QEII issues with sampling of Officials, Postage Dues, fiscals and Telegraphs, generally fair to fine condition, a wonderful old time lot.

1854 2d Pale blue Pl.4 (Second repair). A very fine unused o.g. example lettered TC, showing pronounced thinning of the check letters and repaired value tablet. Very rare, the only recorded mint example. Spec. F1(2)l, £9,000

1840 1d black selection of twenty on entires/entire letters or envelopes, some with four margins, with range of different postal markings; also a few later issues and ‘Guide Lines to the Penny Black’ by Litchfield. Condition very mixed. (24 items)

1841 2d Blue (Wmk. Inverted). Very fine unused example from the small trial sheet of twelve without corner letters. Printed for distribution to postmasters announcing the new forthcoming issue. Extremely rare with this watermark variety. Spec. DP43, £4,000

QV to QEII mixed mint and used collector's clear-out housed in assorted volumes, old auction lot card and cigar boxes and loose, including: ranges of QV with 1847-54 Embossed high values, 1887-1900 Jubilees with 4½d pane of 20 and values to £1, 1929 PUC £1 used (sadly repaired), 1934 Photogravure ½d misperforated block of 30, KGVI study collection of varieties on 1937 Coronation issue, near complete run of decimal face value to mid 2000s (mint and used) sampling of Postal History with 16th Century letters and document signed by King George V, mixed condition careful viewing sure to reward.

1872 2s Die proof. Very fine example printed in black on white glazed card (60 x 92mm), endorsed "BEFORE HARDENING" and dated "Dec 19, 1872" (1 in 19 Inverted). Produced by De La Rue for a proposed issue with coloured corner letters, the die was never used as the 2s value was withdrawn. Very scarce. Ex. "Verus".

1931 5s Booklet (Edition No.1). Very fine and fresh example of this rare George V booklet, only containing the pane of four 1½d plus 2 adverts for "Telephone Service/ Air Mails, Letters and Parcels" perf. type P with excellent perforations (All other panes removed). A presentable example of this extremely difficult booklet. Cat £6250.

POSTAL HISTORY: 1803-45 selection entire letter postmarked by various types of Liverpool ship letters from the USA superbly mounted and arranged in glass fronted frames, contained in a carton, including 1803 to Leeds (Robertson type S5), 1820 to Chelmsford (S9), 1824 to London (S12), 1828 to London (S9) ,1834 to London (S13) and 1839 from Leith to Richmond (Virginia) (S15a); also 1845 Buffalo (oval marking in blue) to Shaftesbury via Boston and Liverpool (P5). A very interesting group mostly with clear markings. Mostly fine. (7)

1870 6d Die proof. Very fine and fresh example without corner letters or plate numbers printed in lilac on white matt card (61 x 92mm). A very rare and visually stunning proof.

1841 2d Blue. Superb unused top marginal block of four from the small trial sheet of twelve without corner letters. Printed for distribution to postmasters announcing the new forthcoming issue. Spec. DP43, £6,000

Trade Box of Enamel Badges Issued by Toye, Kenning & Spencer Ltd for Mercian Ice Dance Club. The badge is a square black enamel plaque with the letters M I D C in gold letters and a chevron in white enamel with the date 1936. There is what appears to be an ice skate on top of the badge. The box is original, the badges are in lots of 12 wrapped in tissue paper. Note in box says 180 metal badges (not counted). Box and badges in excellent condition.

A rectangular metal letter box, inscribed 'Letters'. 24cm x 11cm.

A pair of French antique faux pearl chandelier earrings, each earring set to the top with a faux button pearl, with two rows of small faux pearls to a suspending chain mesh panel with a row of small faux pearls, an ornate openwork section terminating with suspended elongated faux pearls, screw back fitting (non pierced ears), marked Made In France and a 'star' and the letters LR, length approx. 6.5cm, 9.4grams.

Six handwritten letters by Cliff Richard - sent for use in tour/concert programmes (copies of programmes included).Provenance: from the estate of acclaimed artist and graphic designer Bogdan Zarkowski who worked extensively within the music industry from the 1970s to present day.

Four handwritten letters from Megadeth bandmembers Nick Menza, Marty Friedman, Dave Mustaine, David Elefson. The letters were written for and used in a 'Youthanasia' tour programme.Provenance: from the estate of acclaimed artist and graphic designer Bogdan Zarkowski who worked extensively within the music industry from the 1970s to present day.

Six handwritten letters by Cliff Richard - sent for use in tour/concert programmes (copies of programmes included). Provenance: from the estate of acclaimed artist and graphic designer Bogdan Zarkowski who worked extensively within the music industry from the 1970s to present day.

Interesting selection of original mostly Manchester oriented fanzines to inc: Ghast Up issue #1, Printed Noises (two issues), two single page issues of 'Girl Trouble', two pages used in the production of 'Ghast Up' as well as a good quantity of correspondence and letters to the zine.

° ° [Markham, Gervase] - The Inrichment of the Weald of Kent. Or a direction ot the husband-man, for the true ordering, manuring, and inriching of all the grounds within the Wealds of Kent, and Sussex ... by G.M. headpiece decorations and 2 decorated initial letters; mid 20th century half calf and marbled boards, panelled spine with gilt label, sm. 4to. printed by W. Wilson, for E. Brewster, and George Sawbridge ... 1656

° ° Lawrence, T.E - a collection of biographies - Wilson, Jeremy -,Lawrence of Arabia. The Authorised Biography, 1989 and a further copy to accompany the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, 9th December 1988-12th March, 1989, National Portrait Gallery Publications, in d/j, 1988; Korda, Michael - Hero: The Life and Legend of Lawrence of Arabia, in unclipped d/j, 2011; Brown, Malcolm - Lawrence of Arabia, in d/j, 2005 and Secret Despatches from Arabia and other Writings by T.E. Lawrence, 1991; Sattin, Anthony - Young Lawrence: A Portrait of the Legend as a Young Man, in unclipped d/j, 2014; Williamson, Henry - Genius of Friendship: ‘’T.E. Lawrence’’, Faber and Faber, 1941; The Home Letters of T.E. Lawrence, 1954; Thomas, Lowell -,With Lawrence in Arabia, 1928; Anderson, Scott - Lawrence in Arabia, in unclipped d/j, 2013 and 8 others, (18).

° ° [Bible - later seventeenth century Authorised Version - the first Bible to be printed at Oxford]. The Holy Bible, containing the Old Testament and the New ... (lacks general engraved title, incomplete at end - lacking much of Revelation and colophon leaf, and with distressed binding). includes: printed general title, Apocrypha drophead title, NT. engraved pictorial and printed titles, head and tailpiece decorations, decorated initial letters, printed in double column; mid 19th century binder's half calf and cloth, 8vo. Oxford: printed at the Theater, 1675

° ° Lambarde, William - A Perambulation of Kent: conteining the description. hystorie, and customes of that shyre ... (2nd edition) first published in the yeere 1576 and now increased and altered after the Authors owne last copie. title within decorated border, Heptarchy map and A Carde of the Beacons map (folded, but a facsimile), decorated initial letters, black letter; old calf, later rebacked with gilt ruled panelled spine and red label, cr.8vo. Imprinted at London, by Edm. Bollifant, 1596

° ° [Modern Poetry & Plays]. Mostly first editions (15); Scott, Hardiman - Adam & Eve & Us Poems, Sylvan Press, 1946.Tremayne, S. The Swans of Berwick (Phoenix living poets), 1962 with presentation inscriptionFry, C. A Sleep of Prisoners, 1951Nichols, R. - The Smile of the Sphinx. 1920. 1st Ed. BZ04 Beaumont PressOsborne & Creighton - Epitaph for George Dillon, 1958Browning, E.B. - Sonnets from the Portuguese, Folio Soc, 1962Kindersley, David. ~ Variations on the Theme of Twenty-Six Letters, 1969Douglas, Norman - An Almanac, Chatto & Windus, 1945Raine, Kathleen - On A Deserted Shore, Dolmen Press, 1973Malory, Thomas - Story of Elayne, Astolat Oakleaf Series, 1903Hickes, Lucian - Lucian's the dreame or, the cocke translated from Greek into English together with the life of Lucian by Thomas Hickes, Birmingham School of Printing, 1932Bax, Clifford - Twenty Chinese Poems, Orpheus Press, 1910Bagnold, Enid - Poems, 1978Smith, John - Poems for Paul Klee, 1990Seymour, William Kean - The Cats of Rome, Linden Press, 1970

° ° Lawrence, T.E - 9 works - Seven Pillars of Wisdom, 1935, a further copy, 10th impression, 1937, another with d/j, 1941, and another copy, in 2 vols, in d/j’s, 1939; Revolt in the Dessert, 1927, (2 copies); Oriental Assembly, with d/j, 1991 and The Letters of T.E. Lawrence, edited by David Garnet, 3rd impression, 1938, (9).

° ° [Polydore Vergil]. (De Inventoribus Rerum). An Abridgemente of the Notable Worke of Polydore Virgile. Conteining the deuisers and fyrste fynders onte aswell (sic) of antyquities, artes, ministeries ... as of the rites, and ceremonies, commonlye used in the churche ... Compendiouslye gathered and newlye perused by Thomas Langley]. i.e. lacks title page. 3 text illus. 173ff.; decorated initial letters later 19th century gilt ruled vellum with maroon label, gauffered edges and marbled e/ps., sm.8vo. colophon - Imprynted at London by Ihon Tisdale dwellying in Knight riders Streate ... (?1560). *earlier English editions (from 1546) were printed by Richard Grafton

° ° Ecclesiasticus - The Wisdom of Jesus, the Son of Sirach, commonly called Ecclesiasticus. Limited Edition (of 250 copies). printed in red and black, with coloured initial letters by Graily Hewitt (and others); original orange limp vellum, gilt lettered spine, 4 original ties, fore and lower edges rough trimmed, and in the original marbled s/case, 4to. Ashedene Press, 1932

° ° Assorted Poetry, Private Press etc; 1. De La Mare - The Traveller, ill. John Piper, Faber, 19462. Betjeman, J. - Poems in the Porch, Ill. John Piper, 1st, 19543. Audem, W.H. - Some Poems, 4th, 19444. Corke, Hilary - Adam Awake, privately printed, signed, 17/400, Palma de Mallorca, 19615. Sitwell, Edith - The Shadow of Cain, John Lehmann, London, 19476. Chaucer - The Reeve's Tale, J.L.Cale, Kettering7. Fawcett, E. - Some Poems, ex libris Steven Spender, 1981.8. Ruskin, John - Letters from John Ruskin to Rev. J. P. Faunthorpe, M.A., privately printed, 1895, first edition. vol 1 only9. Beale, Mary. - Carmel & Other Poems, 188910. Laing, Allan, M. - Prayers and Graces, ill. Mervyn Peake, 1st, 194411. Bennett, Alan. - The Uncommon Reader, signed, Faber 2007.12. Day Lewis, C. Collected Poems, 2nd, 1945.13. Nicholas, J. Saturnalia in the Suburbs, 140/500, privately printed, 194014. Leng, Kyrle - Juvenilia, Mill House Press, 193115. Le Gallienne, R. - Limited Editions, privately printed, 1893

° ° Lewis, Rev. John - The History and Antiquities as well Ecclesiastical as Civil, of the Isle of Thanet, in Kent. 2nd edition, with additions. engraved title pictorial vignette, mezzotint portrait frontispiece, 19 plates (1 folded), 2 pictorial maps, 2 plans (1 pictorial), a chart, some text vignette engravings, a folded table, head and tailpiece decorations and decorated initial letters; contemp. gilt ruled calf, panelled spine with red label, 4to. printed for the Author .. 1736

° ° Lambard, William - A Perambulation of Kent: conteining the description, hystorie, and customes of that shyre. Collected and written ... in the yeare 1570 ... and nowe increased by the addition of some things which the Author him selfe hath obserued since that time ... first edition. title within wood engraved decorated border, decorated and historiated initial letters, (but lacks the Angliae Heptarchia map), black letter; early 18th century calf, gilt decorated and panelled spine with red label, sm.4to. Imprinted at London for Ralph Newberie ... 1576

A SET OF TWELVE SILVER TEA KNIVES, each fitted with a silver blade and handle, hallmarked 'William Hutton & Sons Ltd' Sheffield 1929, one date letter for 1926, handles with hallmarks for Sheffield and date letters to include 1925, 1927, approximate gross weight 300.7 grams, 9.66 ozt (condition report: general light wear, would benefit from a gentle clean and polish)

Tempera auf Holz, Silberverkleidung (Oklad) des renommierten Hof-Silberschmiedes Pavel Akimovič Ovčinnikov (auch Ovchinnikov / Owtschinnikow), Moskau 1830-1888). Der Oklad punziert mit Feingehalt 84 Zolotnik, Beschaumeister-Marke „V.S. in kyrillischen Buchstaben für Viktor Savinkov (1855-1888) sowie der kyrillischen Meisterpunze „P. Ovčinnikov“ samt Stadtwappen (Georg) und kaiserlichem Doppeladler. Im Zentrum der Ikone stehender göttlicher Bote Gabriel auf einem Wolkensockel, eine Lilie und eine Laterne haltend. Seine langen, fein guillochierten Flügel reichen bis zu der Wolkenbank. Das in Faltenwurf gegebene Gewand wird durch einen mit Rankenwerk gravierten Überwurf akzentuiert. Das Haupt des Heiligen ist bekrönt von einem durchbrochen gearbeiteten, aus der Fläche hervortretenden Nimbus. Darin der kyrillische Titulus „Heiliger Erzengel Gabriel“. Rahmung mit einer umlaufenden, geometrisierend gestalteten Bordüre von ineinander greifenden Rauten-Motiven, gefüllt mit stilisierten Blüten und Flechtknoten. Im oberen Teil der Ikone weitet sich die Rahmung in die Zwickel aus, so dass das Haupt des Heiligen von einem baldachinähnlichen, gerundeten Bogenabschluss umfangen wird. In die umlaufende Bordüre unten integrierte, aufgelegte, ehemals vergoldete Silber-Tafel mit Legende in kirchenslavischer, blau emaillierter Schrift: „Am 17. August 1884, am Tag des 50jährigen Jubiläums des (...) bringt diese Ikone seinem hochverehrtem geistlichen Vater O. Gabriel Idinskoj (?).“ Der Silber-Oklad lässt die Malerei unter der Verkleidung lediglich am Inkarnat des Heiligen, also an seinem zarten Antlitz, seinen Händen und Füßen frei. Die Rückseite der Holztafel ist mit Seide bespannt, diese partiell gerissen. Teilweise leichte Altersspuren, Oklad an der Rand-Kante, an den Stellen der Nagelung, minimal verbeult. Ca. 31,5 x 27 cm. Russian Icon, Tempera on wood, silver oklad by the court silversmith Pavel Akimovič Ovčinnikov (1830-1888). The oklad is hallmarked with 84 zolotnik, the ispector’s mark “V.S.” (in Cyrillic letters) for Viktor Savinkov (1855-1888) and the Cyrillic master's mark “P. Ovčinnikov” with the city stamp (George) and the imperial eagle. Inside the Nimb of Gabriel the Cyrillic titulus “Holy Archangel Gabriel”. Integrated into the surrounding border at the bottom is an applied, formerly gilded silver plaque with a legend in blue enameled script: “On August 17, 1884, on the day of the 50th jubilee of (...) this icon is presented to his highly revered spiritual father O. Gabriel Idinskoy (?).” The reverse of the wooden panel is covered with silk, which is partially torn. Only slight traces of age, oklad at the edge of the border, minimally dented in places of nailing. Approx. 31.5 x 27 cm.Rußland, Russia.

Ca. AD 600 .A bronze ring formed as a tapered hoop with a flat-section shank, widening at the bezel to accommodate an applied plaque with rounded corners. The plaque is engraved with a depiction of a stylised monogram known as the Chi-Rho, which consists of the overlapping letters 'Χ' (Chi) and 'Ρ' (Rho). This symbol represents the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ.Size: D: 19.96mm; US: 10 1/4; UK: U; weight 2gProvenance: Private UK collection; From an old British collection formed in the 1990s.

Individual letters, each measuring around 30cm in height, previously neon illuminated, believed to have come from a Maserati Dealership c.1990s. Presented in good condition for its age but not currently working.Click here for more details and images

After John Kay (Scottish, 1742-1806), a pair of satirical etchings, "A Hieroglyphic Letter from the Devil to Sir Lawrence Dundas and his Reply", page nos. 357 and 358 from "A Series of Original Portraits and Caricature Etchings by the Late John Kay, Miniature Painter", Vol. II pub. 1877, framed; together with "The Five All's", etching by the same hand, framed. Plates 21cm by 18cm and 13.5cm by 18.5cm (3). Note: the "hieroglyphic letters" are satirical attacks on the prominent Edinburgh contractor and financier, Sir Lawrence Dundas (c. 1710-1781) where the Devil is believed to be Kay himself. He appears again in the "The Five All's" as Satan.

RICHARD CAFIERO; acrylic on canvas, 'Letters Unseen', signed, 59 x 49cm, framed.Provenance: Richard studied graphic art and illustration at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York City, obtained his Masters of Fine Art degree from the Otis Art Institute, Los Angeles, California, and was selected in 1970 and celebrated as new talent in the LA Country Arts department with various exhibitions. He moved to the UK in 1977 setting up his studio in Padiham, Lancashire, and has exhibited in many venues including the Haworth Art Gallery.

A Teeside Railess Traction Board motorbus front combined route letter and ultimate terminus destination blind. (white letters on green background with route letters in yellow). This was fitted to 1941 Leyland TD7/Roe H30/26R no. 26 and was manufactured by E.C.O. Equipment. A rare and possibly unique example of a UK two colour destination display. Alteratioins by TRTB hand painted at a later date when local ICI factories were opened. (Ref 40)

Estimated 1200 photographs that are a mix of postcard size black and white and 6x4 colour photos. Operators include Eastern National, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Independent and smaller operators letters C & M.

Selection of 6 Boxed Liliput lane cottages all with coas includes afternoon tea, Winter at Worsley hall, Yuletide feast, Love letters, Cat slide cottage, and Frog hall