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Lot 661
A CHINESE CELADON JADE 'CHILONG' SCABBARD SLIDE, JIANCHIMING/QING DYNASTYThe upper surface carved in high relief with a writhing dragon, the stone of a creamy pale tone with russet and brown inclusions, 9.7cm. Provenance: Hinton Daniell Stewart (1835-1926) of Strathgarry, Perthshire, founder of the firm of Stewart Thompson and Sons (Manchester Cotton Merchants), and thence by descent.
Lot 170
An 1876 pattern, Martini Henry socket bayonet, complete with scabbard. Dated stamped ‘/89’ to the forte for 1889, and the ‘WD’ war department stamp and broad arrow mark. There is a cross through number, which appears to be ‘707..’ and a letter R, which may mean Reserve. There is also a BR inspection stamp, which would indicate that it’s been back for repair at some point. The scabbard is of leather construction, with a black painted steel throat and chape, with the throat being war department and inspection stamped, as well as the leather also having an embossed stamp. The bayonet blade is of triangular form, with the usual blunt cutting edges, on account that it was a lunging weapon rather than cutting. Blade length approximately 54.6cm, overall length in scabbard is approximately 65cm. Condition: some service and age related wear. The blade area has overall surface rust spotting, but it may be possible to improve this. The socket section has a dark colour, but is complete and would work as originally intended. The scabbard is complete, but there are 2 areas of splitting to the seam along the edge.
Lot 162
A trio of 20th century reproduction swords. To include: a replica United States 1840 pattern cavalry sword, marked at the ricasso ‘Ancient Warrior’. With leather wire bound grip, brass guard and pommel, and a single edged polished steel blade. Complete with polished steel blade. Plus 2 x Indian made cavalry style swords, both with etched decoration to the blades, and both marked ‘Made in India’ Both Indian swords are complete with scabbards. Condition: the U.S sword is in good condition, with only some light surface marks to the scabbard. The Indian swords show a little age related wear and tear, including some loss of finish to the scabbards.
Lot 167
An 18th century continental short sword or hunting hanger, complete with silver mounts and reptile skin covered sheath. The sword would appear to be possibly French in origin, with the silver mounts on the scabbard, and the hilt having Paris silver discharge marks for the period of 1768-1774. The blade shows evidence of having been gilded in places, with there being remnants to the ricasso area and to the engraved motifs. The blade is single edged with a flat spine, with a false edge to the last 6 inches or so. Floriate design to ricasso on both sides, plus a Christian cross and a sun motif, which both also appear on both sides. Tapered wooden grip, with another silver band mount, and an etched mother of pearl plaque with a Fasces symbol, which was known to have been used in Revolutionary France. The grip has clearly had a covering in the past, either a wire binding, or perhaps even more mother of pearl panels, but sadly only the etched Fasces panel now remains. The scabbard is a wooden core, with a tan coloured reptile skin covering. The throat is silver, and another silver collar with suspension loop sits slightly below it. There was likely a silver chape in its past, but this has now gone. An interesting piece, which almost certainly had an equally interesting life. Approximately 69cm in length when in its scabbard - blade length 53.5cm. Condition: fair. As mentioned above, the grip is missing its binding or other covering, revealing the wooden core. The silver hilt is dented in places and there is some wobble to it. The blade is the best part of the sword, with the decoration being of good quality. There are some very fine nicks to the cutting edge in places, but this doesn’t detract, plus the blade is well set into the handle. The silver mounts to the scabbard have some dents and some small areas where the silver has been clipped away. Some losses to the reptile skin covering on the scabbard.
Lot 173
A Northumberland Fusiliers interest MKII 1888 pattern Lee Metford bayonet and scabbard. Of standard form, with wooden slab grips secured by 2 large brass rivets, and the cleaning rod channel bored into the pommel. The scabbard is the usual black leather, with steel throat and chape, the former having an oval frog stud. The ricasso is marked with the broad arrow and ‘x’ bend test mark. The opposite side of the ricasso is marked for Wilkinson, London, and has a the ER and crown mark for King Edward VII. Notes: the bayonet appears to have been issued several times in its working life, with the earliest date of ‘02’ stamped for 1902, followed by a 3, likely for 1903, and even a ‘15 for 1915. The leather scabbard also has a date stamp, but it’s difficult to tell if it’s ‘13 or ‘18. The pommel is marked in 2 places for the Northumberland Fusiliers, one saying ‘1/7 NF’ and the other ‘7.NF’. The 7th Battalion (Territorial Force) was based in Alnwick in the pre WW1 era, and by September 1914 was redesignated as 1/7th battalion, which fits perfectly with the battalion and date marks found on the piece. Condition: generally good, with some age and service wear. The steel to the pommel and cross guard has darkened with age, and there is some surface rust speckling to the throat and chape areas. There are some shallow knocks or indentations to the wooden grips, but these are otherwise intact. The blade is generally clean and bright, with normal track lines along the length from it being withdrawn from the scabbard many times. The leather on the scabbard is good, and the push button release catch on the pommel works as it should.
Lot 86
A WW2 era, German K98 dress or parade bayonet. Complete with black painted scabbard, and black leather frog. With the usual cross hatched plastic grips, secured by 2 rivets. ’Bird beak’ pommel, with press release button. Nickel plated blade and mounts, but no apparent makers mark. Notes: despite the morticed slot and release button, this type of bayonet ws never designed to be fitted onto a rifle, and was only ever held within its scabbard for dress purposes. The morticed slot also contains its original red felt plug, indicating it was for Wehrmacht use. Approximately 40cm when in its scabbard, blade length 24.6cm. Condition: generally good overall. Loss of nickel plating to the pommel and cross guard area, and some age related spotting to the same area. Generally clean and bright blade, with just a little nickel plating loss to the blunt cutting edge (it was never sharpened). Minor paint loss to the painted scabbard, with the steel base metal underneath now a russet colour where the paint has chipped away. The leather frog is complete, but as is often seen, the surface has ‘jellified’ somewhat.
Lot 161
French Chassepot Bayonet with scabbard. With the usual ribbed brass grip with integral push button release catch. Yataghan style singled edged blade, with fuller and flattened spine. Dated 1868 to the spine. Complete with correct scabbard. Approximately 71cm length in the scabbard, blade length 56.5cm. Condition: generally good. The whole piece would appear to have had some sort of varnish added in the past, scabbard included, which gives the piece a slightly glossy look. Some slight pitting to the tip area of the blade.
Lot 174
A North Staffordshire Regiment interest MKI type 2 1888 pattern Lee Metford bayonet and scabbard. Of usual form, with wooden grips secured by 2 large brass rivets, and the cleaning rod channel bored through the wood in the grip. The scabbard is the usual black leather, with steel throat and chape, the former having an oval frog stud. The ricasso is marked with the broad arrow and bend test ‘x’ mark. Notes: the bayonet would appear to have been issued multiple times in its working life. There are various dates stamped into the ricasso on one side, with ‘03’ for 1903 being the earliest, followed by ‘04 and ‘05. The pommel is also profusely marked, with it showing that the bayonet was issued to 3 different regiments; the 6th North Staffordshire Regiment (6.NSTF), the Royal Welsh Fusiliers (RWF), and the 4th Royal Fusiliers - City of London Regiment (4RF). Condition: generally solid, but wear to the blade. Some darkening to the steel on the pommel and cross guard, and some surface rust spotting to the chape and throat on the scabbard. Small split to the seam on the leather of the scabbard. The blade appears to have been nickel plated in the past, and this has degraded from the tip to around halfway up the blade. It also appears to have been heated at some point. The push button release catch works exactly as it should. Some sympathetic restoration may be possible to improve the blade.
Lot 165
A British 19th century 1845 / 54 pattern infantry officer’s sword. With a brass gothic guard containing the VR monogram and crown, brass backpiece with chequered section and floriate pattern. Fish skin grip, which is now lacking its wire binding. Single edged slightly curved blade, with nickel plating and a flat spine and wide fuller Raised etched decoration to both sides, featuring the VR monogram, crown, and scrollwork. The ricasso area of the sword is intriguing, there is no star pattern surrounding the slug, with it possibly having been worn away completely. The slug is also very worn, and does not appear to be brass, as is usually seen (the only readable part is ‘PRO’ of proved). Under magnification the slug looks to be nickel plated iron, and is surrounded by a thin layer of solder where it is sunk into the hole in the blade. The whole area of the ricasso on one side looks scratched or scuffed. The spine does not carry a serial number. Together with an 1878 dated French Gras bayonet, with matched serial number of 795 to the scabbard and quillon. Sword length approximately 96.5cm, bayonet length in scabbard 65.9cm. Condition: some age and service related wear. Some mottling to the blade where the plated surface is wearing to reveal the darker steel below. The fish skin grips are missing their binding, and there is a small piece of the wooden grip and its fish skin covering having chipped away near the pommel. The French bayonet is complete, but shows service wear to the wooden handle, brass pommel, and the guard area. The blade is bright, and still retains a keen point.
Lot 87
A German made hunters style knife, likely dating from the first quarter of the 20th century. With wrythen style bone handle, S shaped nickel guard, mounts and belt hook. Complete with black leather scabbard, with ball ended nickel plated chape. Marked ‘DGRM’ to the ricasso area, plus the side profile of a lady. Notes: the DGRM mark would date the piece from 1891-1945, and was possibly made for the Argentinian market. Approximately 35cm length in scabbard, blade length 21cm. Plus, a WW2 era miniature German dress bayonet paper knife or letter opener. With unmarked nickel blade, and cross hatched plastic handle, as per its full sized counterpart. Approximately 23.6cm length in scabbard, blade length 14cm. Condition: generally good to each. Clean blades to each, with the hunting knife having some small and minor patches of corrosion. Minor corrosion to the backpiece of the miniature bayonet, and a little losss of finish to the pommel.
Lot 164
A 19th century 1845 / 54 pattern infantry officers sword, by Anderson & Son, 9 St James Street, London. Featuring a gothic style brass hilt, inset with the VR monogram and crown. The inside of the hilt is inset with an original but dilapidated leather lining. Fish grip with intact wire binding, and floriated backpiece. Slightly curved single edged blade with wide fuller, and profusely etched to both sides with floral motifs, scrolls, the VR monogram and Victorian crown. Brass proof slug inset at the ricasso to one side, and retailers mark of Anderson & Son the other side. Complete with brass scabbard with two affixed suspension rings. No apparent serial numbers. Approximately 101cm length in scabbard, blade length 82.5cm. Condition: some age related wear, but solidly constructed. Ingrained polish to the hilt area, and some darkening to the fish skin grip from handling. Wire binding to the grip is intact and secure. The blade is mostly clean and bright, with just a little light surface mottling / corrosion at the ricasso area. The scabbard is generally good, with just a few small shallow dents to the body.
Lot 160
A late 19th / early 20th century Ottoman Empire German made naval sword. Featuring a cast brass fold down guard, with one side acting as a lock to hold the sword in place in the scabbard. The guard features a stand of arms, with crossed flags topped by crescent moons, with what appears to be a representation of star motif in the form of the Turkish Order of the Medjidie. Carved bone grip, with the remains of the original wire binding. Floriated backpiece, pommel and knuckle guard. The blade is slightly curved, with a flat spine, and shallow fuller. Single edge, with false edge around 6 inches from the tip. Both sides of the blade are profusely etched with floral motifs, anchors, and scrolls, with both sides having an image of what appears to be a steam frigate (with steam funnel visible on one side). The blade spine has the makers mark for Julius Voos Fabrique D’armes Solingen. Complete with black leather scabbard, with brass floriated throat, mid section, and chape mounts, with the throat and mid section having suspension loops. Approximately 87.5cm length in scabbard, blade length 69.2cm. Condition: some age and service wear. The fold down guard works as it should, but one side does catch on the frame somewhat. The bone grip is intact, and shows the normal striations associated with the material. Only fragments of the original twisted wire binding remain attached in the groves of the handle. The blade shows some dark mottling, a little pitting, and light surface corrosion in a couple of places, but on the whole is in solid condition. The brass throat area is loose on the leather scabbard, and can be slid off if desired, plus the brass in this area has a little verdigris. The mid brass section has likely been glued back into position at some point, and there are glue traces to the leather.
Lot 175
An English 18th century short sword or hunting hanger, by Samuel Harvey. With a slightly curved single edged blade, and long fuller. Stamped with the running fox and ‘SH’ mark to both sides of the blade. Ring turned wooden grip with brass shell guard. Bulbous quillon and the remains of a knuckle guard to one side. Approximately 69.8cm in length. Condition: fair. Long crack to the ring turned handle, but nevertheless remains solidly in place. Part of the brass knuckle guard has sheared off, and the quillon appears to bent back somewhat. The blade has normal age related darkening and mottling, with some minor pitting. The cutting edge has multiple nicks to edge. Scabbard absent.
Lot 134
An unusual WW1 era scratch built trench or fighting knife. Apparently made from an amalgamation of various part of British bayonets, including what appears to be a Lee Metford 1888 pattern double edged blade (of flattened diamond section), a scratch made S shaped cross guard, with shaped oak handle. The scabbard is a cut down 1907 pattern, with distinctive raised ridge to the dark brown leather and the steel chape. The scabbard has had the addition of 2 riveted in place leather straps to act as a belt loop. No visible marks, dates or otherwise to any of the parts. Approximately 31.5cm length in scabbard, blade length 17.5cm. Plus, a time worn pair of brass bodied binoculars, dating from the early 2oth century / WW1 era. No apparent marks to binoculars. Condition: age and service related wear and patina to the knife, but the piece is solidly constructed with a good overall colour to all parts. The binoculars have a solder repair and have overall darkening / verdigris to the body. One of the eyepieces is damaged and slightly bent out of shape. Optics reasonably clear and will focus when central dial is turned.
Lot 157
A Chinese copy of a Japanese Army Officer’s Type 19 Kyu-Gunto. With solid brass handle and guard, the former with grip section that mimics a wire bound handle. Slightly curved single edged blade with serial number 27757, an etched mark of what appears to be the flag of the republic of China, and Chinese character marks. The sword is complete with a green painted steel scabbard, with a single suspension ring. Approximately 97.5cm length in scabbard, blade length 75cm. Condition: generally good and solid. Blade relatively clean, with normal track lines from the withdrawing from the scabbard. A little rust to the ricasso area, but it shouldn’t be too problematic to remove this. The brass hilt is good, with even colour and patina. Some paint loss to the scabbard, which now reveals the base metal below.
Lot 171
A pre Third Reich era, likely late 19th or early 20th century German M1849 Lion’s head sabre. Using the so called ‘half lion head’ or ‘jawless’ lion’s head to the pommel, fish skin grip, P shaped knuckle guard, and the crossed swords motif to the langet on one side, with a plain shield to the other. Single edged slightly curved blade, with flat spine and long fuller. Etching to both sides of the blade, foliate patterns, crossed swords, and the Imperial Eagle. No apparent makers marks, and if there are, they are hidden by the positioning of the langets, and a small amount of corrosion to the ricasso area under the langets. Complete with a black painted steel scabbard, with single suspension ring, and its original leather and bullion sword knot. Overall length in scabbard 95.8cm, blade length approximately 80.5cm. Condition: some age and service wear. The hilt and grip has ingrained old polish in may places, and the wire binding to the fish skin grip only partially remains (3 strands). The blade is in fairly clean and bright condition, with only minor dulling and mottling in places. The scabbard has the often seen paint loss to the surface, which reveals the russet coloured steel below.
Lot 152
A 19th century P1876 Martini Henry socket bayonet. Likely of the Zulu war era, and only carry the Enfield inspection and the ‘WD’ war department mark and broad arrow mark (from mid 1882, bayonets of this kind were dated). Of standard form, with a triangular cross section blade, with each side having a shallow fuller. Marked with the serial number of 146 to the collar section. Approximately 52cm in length. Condition: generally good. Some odd small spots of surface rust in places, but these should be removable without too much bother. Good overall colour to the steel, with just a little dark mottling in places. The scabbard is absent. Notes: due to new Royal Mail regulations, we cannot ship blades using conventional mail services. Pick up is recommended, or alternatively buyers are advised to make their own arrangements for delivery.
Lot 242
W.H. Horstmann & Sons of Philadelphia, United States. Civil War Era foot officer, staff, or soldier's sword possibly fitted with a Solingen blade, ca. 1850. With ribbed hilt and pierced brass guard depicting foliate motifs and a mounted leather scabbard. Etched along the base of the blade "W.H. Horstmann & Sons" and "Philadelphia".Blade: 31 1/2 in. Sword length: 36 1/2 in.Condition: All parts are present and securely attached. There are no major losses to the sword. To the blade there is oxidization, small chips, and scratches along the blades edge throughout. There is oxidization and loss to the gilt along the sword guard. To the sheath and attached belt, there is heavy wear and losses to the leather and the metal components.
Lot 405
A LARGE JAPANESE SAISHIKI (PAINTED WOOD) NETSUKE OF A SOUTH-SEA ISLANDER EDO PERIOD, 18TH OR 19TH CENTURYCarved in hinoki (cypress wood) in the style of Yoshimura Shuzan, the tall figure depicted standing, his head turned to the left and with his mouth agape, holding a branch of coral in a small vase before him; wearing a hood and loose robes adorned with stylised clouds, carrying a sword in a fish-shaped scabbard on his back; with a two-character signature to the reverse reading as Shuzan, and with a paper collection label underneath also inscribed 'Shuzan', 11.1cm. Provenance: from the Mark and Elizabeth Harding Collection, South Africa. With a copy of a receipt from Sarzi-Amadè Limited, London, dated 17th May 1990, where the netsuke is described as 'signed (Nagamachi) Shuzan', purchased for £4,620. By repute, purchased from Spink & Son Ltd.
Lot 165
Japanese sword blade (Wakizashi) in black lacquer scabbard 16th century.SOME SURFACE CORROSION TO BLADE, THE CUTTING EDGE IS FLAT, NOT RAZOR SHARP; FEW NICKS AT TANG END OF BLADE, TOP OF SCABBARD DAMAGED WITH SOME LOSS. WE TAKE GREAT CARE in the accuracy of our condition reports and may record damage and restoration if obvious. The information is provided in good faith along with detailed photographs where requested and is for guidance only. However, this does not imply that there may not be further condition issues associated with the lot and we DO NOT provide any guarantee to the buyer.WE STRONGLY ADVISE BIDDERS TO EXAMINE PERSONALLY ANY LOT THEY ARE INTERESTED IN BEFORE THE AUCTION.
Lot 210
Fusil modèle 1866 'Chassepot' rifle Breech-loading with bayonet190cm longSigns of dead woodworm to the stock. The moving parts function. No missing components as far as we can see. No signs of rifling down the barrels. The barrel has not been blocked. The only serial marks we could find are on the sights, the scabbard and the bayonet, none of which match.
Lot 131
A fine gold-inlaid steel sword (tulwar) from the armoury of Tipu Sultan (reg. 1782-1799) Mysore, 18th Century the single-edged pattern-welded steel blade of curved form with flattened spine, becoming double-edged towards the point, three holes in triangular formation filled with silver to upper section, further silver-filled hole towards point, inlaid in gold to one side near forte with the Arabic letter ha, the hilt of typical form, profusely decorated in gold inlay with a repeat design of bubri motifs, the wood scabbard clad in reddish brown leather tooled with diaper design, the gold chape engraved with lotus flower issuing from a foliate border, the lotus overlaid with impressed inscription-filled bubri motif (Hyder control mark) to each side, European-style frog stud to one side stamped with six-petalled flower surrounded by six radiating bubri motifs 94.5 cm. long(2) For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 143A
A gem-set gilt-silver hilted steel dagger (khanjar) India, 19th/ 20th Centurythe double-edged steel blade of slightly curved form with armour piercing tip, the silver-gilt hilt of pistol-grip form profusely inlaid with gemstones including emeralds and rubies, the pommel with floral motifs, traces of enamel, the wood scabbard clad in red velvet with silver-gilt mounts decorated ensuite with gemstones including emeralds, rubies and diamonds 38.3 cm. longFootnotes:ProvenanceThe Mohammed Khalil Collection.PublishedM. K. Ibrahim, Islamic Arms and Armour, Vol. II, United Arab Emirates, 2022, p. 670, cat. no. 485.This form of dagger appears to have become popular at the start of the 18th Century, having first emerged in India circa 1650. The type is depicted in miniatures from the period, such as an example from the mid-18th Century sold in these rooms depicting the Emperor Muhammad Shah receiving four courtiers, in which the figure on the far right bears a gem-set khanjar within his patka (see Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 5 April 2011, lot 243).This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 93
An Ottoman gold-damascened steel dagger (jambiyya) Turkey, 19th Centurythe double-edged watered steel blade of slightly curved form, decorated in gold overlay to the forte to both sides with a lobed cartouche terminating in a palmette and filled with foliate interlace, the hilt of waisted form decorated in gold overlay with further cartouches terminating in palmettes on a ground of foliate interlace, the wood scabbard clad in steel decorated en suite 47.9 cm. longFootnotes:ProvenanceSotheby's, The Turkish Sale, 17 October 1997, lot 86.The Mohammed Khalil Collection.PublishedM. K. Ibrahim, Islamic Arms and Armour, Vol. I, United Arab Emirates, 2022, p. 436, cat. no. 228.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 137
A jade-hilted gold koftgari steel camel head dagger (kard) India, 19th Centurythe single-edged steel blade of tapering form, the collar decorated in gold overlay with geometric and vegetal designs, the jade hilt with carved pommel in the form of a camel head, the wood scabbard clad in burgundy velvet 22.5 cm. longFootnotes:ProvenanceThe Mohammed Khalil Collection.PublishedM. K. Ibrahim, Islamic Arms and Armour, Vol. II, United Arab Emirates, 2022, p. 678, cat. no. 493.The zoomorphic hilt of the present lot portrays a camel with dulla, often mistaken for a camel's tongue, typical of a male dromedary, which is inflated in order to assert dominance over males or to attract a female mate. For another camel head khanjar, see Robert Hales, Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour: A Lifetime's Passion, London, 2013, p. 28, Cat. No. 69. For a further 17th century example in The Al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait, see Salam Kaoukji, Precious Indian Weapons, pp. 224-5, Cat. 83. (Inv. No. LNS 617 HS).This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 101
A Qajar enamelled steel dagger (jambiyya) Persia, 19th Centurythe pattern-welded steel blade of slightly curved form, chased and decorated in gold overlay with a snake running down the centre of both sides, the forte to both sides with an inscription-filled cartouche on a ground of floral interlace, the waisted hilt decorated in polychrome enamel with roundels and cartouches depicting various rulers, including Afrasiyab, and other figures, the sides with cartouches containing inscriptions, all on a ground of floral interlace, the wood scabbard clad in copper and decorated ensuite, with fitted case 45.9 cm. longFootnotes:ProvenancePrivate UK collection, acquired at Sotheby's, Islamic and Indian Art, 20 October 1994, lot 134.Inscriptions: including two couplets from a qasidah by the poet Anvari (1126–1189) in praise of Sultan Sanjar; figures identified including Afrasiyab, Sanjar Shah, Hurmuz and Bahram.Important Notice to BuyersSome countries, e.g., the US, prohibit or restrict the purchase by its citizens (wherever located) and/or the import of certain types of works of particular origins. As a convenience to buyers, Bonhams has marked with the symbol R all lots of Iranian (Persian) and Syrian origin. It is each buyer's responsibility to ensure that they do not bid on or import a lot in contravention of the sanctions or trade embargoes that apply to them.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: RR This lot is subject to import restrictions when shipped to the United States.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 324
A FINE 1832-PATTERN ROYAL NAVY FLAG OFFICER'S SWORD, 1899with finely etched 31in. Wilkinson blade for Gieve & Sons, Portsmouth, signed and numbered '37126', solid half basket hilt with St. Edward's Crown over anchor, wire-bound fishskin grip, lion's head pommel and sword knot, contained in regulation leather scabbard with chamois cover and leather outer case initialled 'B.W.M.F.' (Bernard William Murray Fairbairn) to top -- 40in. (102cm.) overall Vice Admiral Bernard W.M. Fairbairn, CBE, RN (1880-1960) and thence by descentExceptionally good overall.
Lot 189
Ø A ROYAL NAVY MIDSHIPMAN'S DIRK, CIRCA 1800with 11in. tapering double edged blade etched with a fouled anchor, palmette and foliate swag, palmette shaped cross-guard, and turned ivory grip, contained within leather scabbard with brass mounts etched with a fouled anchor and foliate designs, with a cast brass suspension chain -- 16in. (41cm.) long; IDN supplied
Lot 206
A SCIMITAR PRESENTED TO CAPTAIN JAMES KEARNEY WHITE R.N. ABOARD H.M.S. NORTHUMBERLAND BY NAPOLEON BONAPARTE, ST. HELENA, 1815the 31in. curved steel flat blade with faint etching, brass quillon guards with cast and engraved foliate decoration, shaped polished stone grip with tassel hole to end, contained in brass mounted leather scabbard with medallion facings by suspension loops, the top locket engraved From Napoleon Buonaparte / To Captn. James Kearney White / St. Helena, October 1815. / H.M.S. Northumberland -- 36in. (91.5cm.) overallJames Kearney White (1782-1828) and thence by descent. Blade has small patches of corrosion but remains sharp, close examination shows the top third was once finely etched but this is now almost invisible.; the scabbard is scuffed and the top section now loose, but overall in fair condition.A FASCINATING AND IMPORTANT TRIO OF SWORDS PRESENTED TO CAPTAIN JAMES KEARNEY WHITE, R.N.James Kearney White was born in 1782 and although there is scant information about his family, his early life or his entry into the Royal Navy, the latter part of his career more than made up for this deficiency. He first came to notice in 1804, during operations off the coast of the Netherlands, when the 18-gun brig-sloop Scorpion was detached from Admiral Thornborough’s squadron to reconnoitre the Vlie passage into the Texel where she discovered two Dutch brig-corvettes at anchor in the Texel Roads on 28th March. One of them, the Atalante, was armed with sixteen valuable ‘long’ 12-pounders and Captain Hardinge, commanding Scorpion, resolved to take her. Not wanting to risk Scorpion herself because of the danger of shoals, he decided to mount a ‘boat action’ when conditions allowed. In the event, it was three days before the conditions were right and, at 9.30pm. on the evening of 31st March, in full dark, three boats from Scorpion and two from H.M.S. Beaver (which had joined the fray earlier that day) set out on the flood-tide. Nevertheless, it still took two hours to reach the Atalante which, by now, was on full alert and more than ready to repel any boarders. Leading the attack, Captain Hardinge himself was first aboard and, in a short but furious action, the Atalante was taken. In his subsequent despatch to Admiral Thornborough, Hardinge described Atalante as “one of the largest brigs in the Dutch navy… and admirably calculated for His Majesty’s service” and then went on to commend “the zeal and gallantry” of several individuals including “…Lieut. White” who was rewarded with a £50 sword from Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund (see lot 204).He next attracts attention during the Anglo-American ‘War of 1812’ during which he achieved at least a small measure of fame as well as wealth and, finally, a well-deserved promotion to post-rank. Having been made Commander on 10th June 1811, he was given the gun-brig Thistle, still on the stocks at Rochester but launched on 13th July 1812. From there, White took his new command to Chatham to oversee her fitting out after which she sailed for North American waters. White only stayed in Thistle just over a year until appointed to the command of the larger brig-sloop Peruvian in October 1814. The Peruvian had already enjoyed two very successful tours, first in the Caribbean in 1812 and then, in 1813-14, on the American Station during which she had captured two U.S. privateers and taken part in a daring expedition up the Penobscot River in Maine. When White took over the command in October 1814, crew morale was riding high and, under his captaincy, two more prizes were added in quick succession to Peruvian’s impressive tally – the Spanish ship Dolores and the U.S. merchantman Rufus – before Peruvian was ordered home in April 1815. By mid-June, she lay becalmed at Ostend and when Major the Hon. Henry Percy, the only one of Wellington’s aides to have survived the carnage at Waterloo unscathed, arrived with the news of the great victory, White took drastic action. With no wind in the offing, he immediately ordered Peruvian’s gig lowered and, after selecting four of his strongest crew, the six men, including both White and Percy who did their share at the oars, rowed it across the Channel to Broadstairs where the two officers hired a fast post-chaise-and-four and raced to London bearing the momentous news of Napoleon’s defeat.Once Napoleon had been brought to England and the decision taken to banish him to the distant island of St. Helena, Peruvian and her sister Zenobia were assigned to Admiral Cockburn’s squadron which was to escort the Emperor into exile. Extraordinarily, and before the long journey south began, Peruvian was despatched to Guernsey to pick up a supply of wine for Napoleon’s consumption in exile, a very personal service rewarded by the presentation of another sword (see lot 206). Later, when Cockburn became concerned that the French might use the then uninhabited island of Ascension as a base from which to mount a rescue attempt to free Napoleon, he sent Peruvian and Zenobia to claim it and, at 5.30pm on 22nd October 1815, White and Zenobia’s commander Captain Dobree went ashore, raised the Union flag and took possession of the island in the name of King George III. Leaving some marines as a garrison, the two sloops then resumed their voyage to St. Helena although, in the meantime, Peruvian’s crew had presented White with a splendid silver-mounted sabre (see lot 205), presumably purchased in Portsmouth before Cockburn’s squadron sailed. Months later, Peruvian returned to England carrying despatches from the island’s governor, and then laid up In Ordinary at Plymouth where she remained until broken up in 1830. After some shore leave, White returned to sea and was promoted Captain (December 1818) although he was already in command of the sixth-rate Spey (1818-August 1819). Before taking up his next command, another sixth rate, the Tyne, in February 1821, with orders to sail for the West Indies, White took the opportunity to marry Elizabeth Neeld in London with whom he had one daughter. His appointment to Tyne was short-lived however – barely one year – and he was not re-employed at sea, perhaps due to sickness. Given that he died in Bermuda on 2nd March 1828 at the age of only 46, it is possible that he had contracted one of the many fevers which afflicted Europeans there and died as a result, although this remains unconfirmed.
Lot 204
Ø AN UNRECORDED £50 LLOYDS PATRIOTIC FUND SWORD PRESENTED TO Lt JAMES KEARNEY WHITE OF H.M.S. BEAVER FOR CAPTURING THE DUTCH BRIG ATALANTE, 31st MARCH, 1804the 30in. curved blade with remnant blued and gilt finish, silvered cartouche with dedication in an early font type, brass hilt with ivory grip, contained in brass mounted scabbard of issue with single suspension loop (corrosion and wear throughout) -- 35½in. (90cm.) overallJames Kearney White (1782-1828) and thence by descent.Blade heavily corroded obscuring the dedication, which is a very early example of dedication being not blue and gilt and with a font not found on other Lloyd’s swords; The hilt has suffered heavy polishing and has lost all gilt; The scabbard has suffered from heavy polishing and lost all gilt. The middle locket suspension ring is missing.A FASCINATING AND IMPORTANT TRIO OF SWORDS PRESENTED TO CAPTAIN JAMES KEARNEY WHITE, R.N.James Kearney White was born in 1782 and although there is scant information about his family, his early life or his entry into the Royal Navy, the latter part of his career more than made up for this deficiency. He first came to notice in 1804, during operations off the coast of the Netherlands, when the 18-gun brig-sloop Scorpion was detached from Admiral Thornborough’s squadron to reconnoitre the Vlie passage into the Texel where she discovered two Dutch brig-corvettes at anchor in the Texel Roads on 28th March. One of them, the Atalante, was armed with sixteen valuable ‘long’ 12-pounders and Captain Hardinge, commanding Scorpion, resolved to take her. Not wanting to risk Scorpion herself because of the danger of shoals, he decided to mount a ‘boat action’ when conditions allowed. In the event, it was three days before the conditions were right and, at 9.30pm. on the evening of 31st March, in full dark, three boats from Scorpion and two from H.M.S. Beaver (which had joined the fray earlier that day) set out on the flood-tide. Nevertheless, it still took two hours to reach the Atalante which, by now, was on full alert and more than ready to repel any boarders. Leading the attack, Captain Hardinge himself was first aboard and, in a short but furious action, the Atalante was taken. In his subsequent despatch to Admiral Thornborough, Hardinge described Atalante as “one of the largest brigs in the Dutch navy… and admirably calculated for His Majesty’s service” and then went on to commend “the zeal and gallantry” of several individuals including “…Lieut. White” who was rewarded with a £50 sword from Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund (see lot 204).He next attracts attention during the Anglo-American ‘War of 1812’ during which he achieved at least a small measure of fame as well as wealth and, finally, a well-deserved promotion to post-rank. Having been made Commander on 10th June 1811, he was given the gun-brig Thistle, still on the stocks at Rochester but launched on 13th July 1812. From there, White took his new command to Chatham to oversee her fitting out after which she sailed for North American waters. White only stayed in Thistle just over a year until appointed to the command of the larger brig-sloop Peruvian in October 1814. The Peruvian had already enjoyed two very successful tours, first in the Caribbean in 1812 and then, in 1813-14, on the American Station during which she had captured two U.S. privateers and taken part in a daring expedition up the Penobscot River in Maine. When White took over the command in October 1814, crew morale was riding high and, under his captaincy, two more prizes were added in quick succession to Peruvian’s impressive tally – the Spanish ship Dolores and the U.S. merchantman Rufus – before Peruvian was ordered home in April 1815. By mid-June, she lay becalmed at Ostend and when Major the Hon. Henry Percy, the only one of Wellington’s aides to have survived the carnage at Waterloo unscathed, arrived with the news of the great victory, White took drastic action. With no wind in the offing, he immediately ordered Peruvian’s gig lowered and, after selecting four of his strongest crew, the six men, including both White and Percy who did their share at the oars, rowed it across the Channel to Broadstairs where the two officers hired a fast post-chaise-and-four and raced to London bearing the momentous news of Napoleon’s defeat.Once Napoleon had been brought to England and the decision taken to banish him to the distant island of St. Helena, Peruvian and her sister Zenobia were assigned to Admiral Cockburn’s squadron which was to escort the Emperor into exile. Extraordinarily, and before the long journey south began, Peruvian was despatched to Guernsey to pick up a supply of wine for Napoleon’s consumption in exile, a very personal service rewarded by the presentation of another sword (see lot 206). Later, when Cockburn became concerned that the French might use the then uninhabited island of Ascension as a base from which to mount a rescue attempt to free Napoleon, he sent Peruvian and Zenobia to claim it and, at 5.30pm on 22nd October 1815, White and Zenobia’s commander Captain Dobree went ashore, raised the Union flag and took possession of the island in the name of King George III. Leaving some marines as a garrison, the two sloops then resumed their voyage to St. Helena although, in the meantime, Peruvian’s crew had presented White with a splendid silver-mounted sabre (see lot 205), presumably purchased in Portsmouth before Cockburn’s squadron sailed. Months later, Peruvian returned to England carrying despatches from the island’s governor, and then laid up In Ordinary at Plymouth where she remained until broken up in 1830. After some shore leave, White returned to sea and was promoted Captain (December 1818) although he was already in command of the sixth-rate Spey (1818-August 1819). Before taking up his next command, another sixth rate, the Tyne, in February 1821, with orders to sail for the West Indies, White took the opportunity to marry Elizabeth Neeld in London with whom he had one daughter. His appointment to Tyne was short-lived however – barely one year – and he was not re-employed at sea, perhaps due to sickness. Given that he died in Bermuda on 2nd March 1828 at the age of only 46, it is possible that he had contracted one of the many fevers which afflicted Europeans there and died as a result, although this remains unconfirmed.
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