Last Site Update
1st Jan 2012
 
 
KNIL Model 91 Revolver (Commercial Variation) in 9.4mm Dutch Revolver Calibre
Ref C 554     £2750
A gun for the discriminating collector
Manufactured commercially by JFJ Bar this gun bears the maker's name and also is marked "W.D.W" (in an oval). Dutch East Indies officers were required to buy their own sidearms and this marking appeared from 1887 onwards on those guns subsequently inspected at the Dutch Small Arms Arsenal.
Guns with this marking are very rare indeed, and this gun stands out from the standard model for a number of reasons.
First it is the only example I have ever seen with a non-standard length barrel. The extra length makes the gun feel lighter than the shorter barrelled model. In fact so much does it affect the balance that I had to weigh both models before I was convinced that the longer model was in fact heavier, having thought initially that perhaps a finer grade of steel had been used.
Second it incorporates the Abadie modification, enabling the movement of the cylinder (for reloading) by successive trigger pulls when the loading gate is open (and it works beautifully). This mechanism prevents discharge when the loading gate is open.
Third it retains 95% of its original finish, its original (serial number stamped) grips are very good, and the usual 'dot' markings on the screws (one dot on the front screw, two dots on the rear) have been replaced by the digits 1 and 2, which are also stamped on the frame.
It is personalised with its owner's name engraved on the topstrap, J A J Vermaat Jr  (pictured in uniform) and has excellent grips.
Research shows that Vermaat became an administrator and author.
One other difference of note is that the recess for the head of the opened loading gate has been dispensed with.
The gun has an excellent bore with strong rifling and clearly has been well cared for.
The schematic shows the detail of the original standard KNIL Model 91
Barrel length 6 1/2" Overall length 10 3/4"
 
WWI Bugle
Ref 804    £125
Great War copper and brass mounted bugle by J W York & Sons of Grand Raapids, Michigan, dated 1916, but bearing the British WD Arrow.
The cord and tassels attached to it would suggest use by a Highland regiment.

Length   10 1/2"  Height   7 1/2"
 
SOLD
Lee Arms Co .32Rimfire Red Jacket Revolver
Ref RF401        £775   
During the period between the end of the American Civil War and 1900, over the length and breadth of the USA, pistols like this were bought for self defense. Though inexpensive, they were generally of good quality, but in a competitive market, quality was not enough for commercial success, and manufacturers resorted to exotic names - and finishes.
This lovely little gun retains most of its nickel finish, and has a mixed engraving design, part scroll, part dot.
Its main claim to fame however is the right grip panel, which features a young lady with flowing locks - and with other attractions - in French ivory.
Since elephants are not indigenous to France, I assume this description refers to a manmade finish.
In excellent condition with good mechanics, here is an opportunity to acquire an unusual and 'desirable' grip, sorry gun! In a nice modern case with (of course) French fitting.
Overall length  6.5"    Barrel length  2.75" 


 
Douglas DC3
Ref  866  £75
Original acrylic, signed by the artist Robert Bearman.
Known by a number of different names but best known in the UK as the Dakota, this example bears the triple white identifying stripes introduced on D Day. The Dakota also made a huge contribution to the Berlin Airlift.
21cm x 32 cm ( 30cmX 40 1/2cm including mount).
Signed on the mount by Ken Wallis, 268 & 241 Sqdn. (Lysanders) and 103 & 37 Sqdns. (Wellingtons), he is also known for his work on Autogyros (He provided and flew Little Nellie in the James Bond film You Only Live Twice).
Also signed by:
W/o P.R. Donaldson, no. 10 Sqdn., he was a p.o.w. in Stalag V111b;
P.D. Carden, 15, 35 & 582 PFF Sqdn.;
Walter Morrison, 103 Sqdn., who spent time in Luft. 111 and Colditz Offlag 1Vc, plus another pilot from 432 Sqdn. RCAF
 
World War II Victory Handbell
Ref 807   £150
An RAF Benevolent Fund handbell cast from the metal of German aircraft shot down over Britain during 1939-45.
The bell bears the heads of Sir Winston Churchill, President Theodore Roosevelt, and Joseph Stalin.

Height  6"    Weight 3/4 lb
 
Boxlock Percussion Pistol
Ref  P650    £275
A nice little well worn muff pistol by Parkin of Boston, with good strong wood and action.
About 48 bore.
The action has a sliding safety.
One of a pair (see 649 below)

Barrel length   2"    Overall length 6"
 
Boxlock Percussion Pistol
Ref P649   £235
A nice little well worn muff pistol by Parkin of Boston, one of a pair (see P650 above)
Good strong wood and action but the escutcheon behind the lock has gone, and a small piece of the safety is missing at the front..
About 48 bore.
The action has a sliding safety.

Barrel length   2"    Overall length 6"
 
Lead Lined Tobacco Jar made from the wood of British WWII Planes' Propellers
Ref 584    £175
A very nicely turned wooden jar - a memento of the great war.
 
Flintlock Tinder Lighter
Ref 574 £95
An attractive and unusual ornament with a purpose, this item is based on the flintlock mechanism and is in excellent shape.
In fact its condition is so good, with excellent wood and good mechanics,  it is almost certainly a reproduction.
No makers name or indication of date.

 
Silver and Enamel (Eighth Army Commemorative) Beaker
Ref  903   £150
Hallmarked Birmingham 1972 this beaker commemorates the actions involving the Eighth Army between 1941 and 1945. The Eighth Army took part in the North Africa and Italian campaigns annd their victory under Montgomery at El Alamein is regarded as a major turning point of WWII.
The beaker is 4" high, contained in its original (distressed) case.
Flaring to the rim from a short stepped foot, it bears the emblem of the Eighth Army applied as a shield showing a cross in blue, white and yellow enamel.
 
Percussion Eprouvette (Functioning Reproduction)
Ref   P852    £295
The Eprouvette (or powder tester) was an item used during the flintlock and percussion eras, when powder was not always of consistent quality, to check its efficiency.
Placing a VERY small amount of powder in it, its strength could be determined by reading off the number on the wheel, which ignition forced to turn.
In the modern era items like this are more a conversation piece than anything else, but they are interesting (and functional) items.
Although not an antique this repro is legal in the UK as the eprouvette does not have a barrel nor discharge a shot - and it's a lot cheaper than an original.

Length 5"
 
'Union Jack No 2' Single Action Revolver in .32 Rimfire
Ref    RF559        £325
For display purposes this is a really lovely gun, with virtually 100% nickel remaining, and nice (ebony?) grips. Very attractive machine turning on rear of frame.
Sheath trigger, spring loaded cylinder pin release; the gun disassembles easily.
Sadly it has a poorish bore with just traces of rifling.
A really desirable little gun for display.
Barrel length  2 3/4"     Overall length 6 3/4"
Ref    RF559        £325
 
British Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Fighting Knife
Ref 806     £125
Third pattern British Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife.
Double edged blade has remains of black paint finish.
Brass concentric ringed grip.
Steel cross-guard stamped William Rodgers, Sheffield England.
With its original leather scabbard which has lost its metal tip.

Blade length   6 1/2"  Overall length  11"
 
Hopkins & Allen XL No 3
Ref 560    £275
An interesting little gun with excellent grips, and profuse engraving on its nickel finish.
It has a clean bright bore with good rifling and good clean chambers. Five shot, single action, spur trigger.
The gun is easily disassembled using the spring loaded lever on the left of the frame in front of the cylinder.
At present this gun doesn't quite hold cock, so to return it to working order that must be addressed, a simple task for a gunsmith.
Serial number 8378.
Overall length   6 3/4"  Barrel length   2 3/4"
 
George III (Orphan) Swordstick
Ref S792    £255
Here we have a short, very substantial orphan (no scabbard) swordstick, unusually broad bladed (tapering from 1" to 1/2" before curving to its point).
The blade is engraved on both sides with the legend "FOR My COUNTRY & KING" and with coats of arms.
Most swordsticks I have seen have been of the rapier type, but this example (when its blade had an edge on it) would have been capable of delivering mayhem with either edge or point.
The blade is set solidly in a very substantial treen hilt.

Overall length 27 1/2"  Blade length 22 1/2"
 
Victorian Swordstick
Ref 652   £275
Fairly lightweight stick with black finish and (ivory?) ring marking the extent of the handle/hilt.
The stick has a white metal (probably silver plated) engraved cap, but lacks its ferrule.

Triangular profile blade.

The perfect accessory for a night at  the opera with Holmes.

Overall length 34 1/2"   Blade length   27"
 
Teak Napkin Ring from Timbers of HMS Ajax
Ref 531     £75
HMS Ajax was one of the ships involved in the famous 'Battle of the River Plate' - the first major naval battle of WWII - when she and her sister ships were pitted against the German pocket battleship 'Admiral Graf Spee' on December 13th 1939.

The photo to the right is of HMS Ajax. She was broken up in 1950.

Other ships involved in the engagement were HMS Exeter and HMS Achilles.

This napkin ring was made from the Ajax's teak decking timbers.
 
Flintlock Eprouvette (Functioning Reproduction)
Ref  851  £295
The Eprouvette (or powder tester) was an item used during the flintlock and percussion eras, when powder was not always of consistent quality, to check its efficiency.
Placing a VERY small amount of powder in it, its strength could be determined by reading off the number on the wheel, which ignition forced to turn.
In the modern era items like this are more a conversation piece than anything else, but they are interesting (and functional) items.
Although not an antique this repro is legal in the UK as the eprouvette does not have a barrel nor discharge a shot - and it's a lot cheaper than an original.

Length   5"
 
Georgian Decorated Truncheon
Ref 756   £225
A Lignum Vitae truncheon with excellent remaining decoration comprising a crown and GR crest. Leather strap missing.
 
9ct Gold Banded Cheroot Holder with Solid Silver Case
Ref   802    £125

From its inscription, this item evidently commemorates some service given (perhaps by an army officer) to naval personnel in WWII. It reads: CAPT CAIRNS from the Naval Boys of X2

HMS X2 was was originally an Italian Archimede class submarine, named Galileo Galilei. She served in the Regia Marina before and during World War II, before her capture by the Royal Navy in 1940.
The inscription may mark an army involvement when it docked in Aden, but this is guess work.
Although the hallmarks and maker's name on the exterior of the case are rubbed and difficult to decypher, those inside the lid are very clear and show that when presented, the holder at least was already almost an antique and was made in London in 1918.
The Italian boat was stationed in the Red Sea in June 1940 as a unit of the Italian Red Sea Flotilla.
On 16 June 1940, she sank the Norwegian tanker James Stove approximately 12 miles south of Aden, following which aircraft from the cruiser HMS Leander carried out a search for her without success.
On 18 June, the Anti-submarine warfare trawler HMS Moonstone sighted the periscope of Galileo Galilei and carried out an attack with two depth charges, forcing the submarine to surface at the position 12°48′N 45°12′E / 12.8°N 45.2°E / 12.8; 45.2. The submarine surrendered after a brief engagement and was towed into Aden. Twelve members of the submarine's crew were killed during the action including the commanding officer, and four wounded. The submarine's codebooks and operational documents were captured intact by the Royal Navy, and revealed the exact position of other Italian naval units.
Galileo Galilei was commissioned into the Royal Navy in June 1942 as HMS X2 (later changed to P 711), and was operated as a training boat in the East. She was scrapped on 1 January 1946.
The Archimede class were a group of submarines built for the Italian Navy in the early 1930s. They fought in the Spanish Civil War (under the nationalist flag) and in World War II.
Under Spanish colours, these boats were known as the General Mola class, and remained in service until 1959.
The ships were designed by the firm Cavallini and were a partially double hulled design. Their deck armament consisting of two 100 mm guns was conceived to deal with armed merchantmen in surface combat.
 
Boxlock Percussion Pistol (Unnamed)
P638    £195
This gun has retained its nice wood, though with some shrinkage, but the metalwork is patchy at best with some scattered rusting and a tiny perforation on the left side of the lock, within the foliate engraving.
The action remains in working order and it will make a nice little display item, with the possibilty of some cleaning up.

Barrel length 2 3/4"    Overall length   7"
 
Large Keyless Nickel Watch in Silver/Leather Display Case with Military Inscription 1926
Ref   873    £225
The inscription reads:
Presented To
Major M Browne MC
A Memento FROM "B" Coy
1st Bn. The Middlesex Regt (sic)
1926
The case (10cm X 11.5cm) with its solid silver front has a spring loaded opening button and a pull-out easel type stand.
There is some 'scuffing' to the leather, two very small 'dings' and some light scratching to the silver which is clearly hallmarked London with the date letter for 1925/26.
The inner silk hinge-covering fabric no longer covers the hinge but is still present and can easily be refixed; the outer leather hinge cover has gone from the back section, and there is evidence that the hinge has been re-pinned.
The VERY large watch (6 1/2cm dia) is nickel plated (NOT silver) and the watch back does not quite click shut. The 8 day movement appears to be in good working order.
Historical note:
Major (Maurice) Browne MC later became Colonel of the Middlesex Regiment.
"The Battalion flourished exceedingly under Colonel Browne's leadership, for he showed himself a most gallant and unselfish soldier and a firm and efficient leader and disciplinarian. Later he became Colonel of the Regiment; he was much loved and proved himself a most loyal servant of the Middlesex Regiment.
  Colonel Browne was posted to the Senior Officers' School during June, 1935, and was succeeded in command of the Battalion by Lieutenant-Colonel W. W. Jefferd."
The MC is granted in recognition of "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy.
 
HMS Snapdragon
Ref   872   £55
An attractive keg ornament made from the teak of HMS Snapdragon.
In December 1942 a bomber dropped its bombs near the ship. Although they missed, at least one exploded on hitting the water beside the ship and killed everyone on the bridge including the Captain. The hull was damaged and the ship sank. It was necessary to defuse the depth charges to prevent them exploding underwater and killing the survivors of the sinking. Some crew were rescued by an American PT (Motor Torpedo) Boat. 
Height 5 1/2"  Diameter at widest point  4"
Information and photograph from Battleships-Cruisers.co.uk
 
 
North American B-25 Mitchell
Ref   867   £65
Original acrylic, signed by the artist Robert Bearman.
21cm x 32 cm ( 30cmX 40 1/2cm including mount).
The North American B-25 Mitchell, was the only American military aircraft named after a specific person (It was named in honor of General Billy Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation).
On April 18, 1942 Lt. Col. James Doolittle took off in a flight of sixteen of these aircraft from the US Navy carrier, U.S.S. Hornet (CV-8), to bomb Japan in retaliation for that country's attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Signed on the mount by five pilots, Davey Jones, A.E. Cole, Tom Griffin, David J. Thatcher and Ed Horton.
 
'Three Spitfires' 603 Squadron.
Ref  865  £95
An original acrylic, heightened with white, signed by the artist Robert Bearman.
21cm x 32 cm ( 30cmX 40 1/2cm including mount).
The mount is signed in pencil by Dame Vera Lynn, Group Captain Billy Drake, Flight Lieutenant Albert Gregory DFC, Doug Nicholls DFC and Byron Duncenfield, AFC
 
WWII Officer's Compass
Ref 830   £75
This compass has clearly seen some use and its oil reservoir has been refilled, probably more than once.
To be put in fully working condition it will need a top-up.
It is dated 1936 and comes with its original leather case.
 
SOLD
Engraved .320 Calibre Double Action Revolver.
Ref.   C139  
Identified by Alan Trigger ( http://www.littlegun.be ) as being a Puppy made by E Bernard & Cie of Liege (BERNARD took over the activities of F DRIESEN (Liège 1874/1900) from where the mark of FD in a crowned diamond comes). Beautifully engraved on frame, barrel, trigger guard, backstrap, top of barrel and top of frame, with 98+% nickel left.
Bore has deep rifling with light scattered pitting. Grips are perfect Ebony. Markings are a crown with FD, a crown with R*C under it.
Serial  number 528; cylinder has its own markings. Left side slide safety. Action is tight as new.
Barrel length  2.25"     Overall length 6.25"
 
 
Douglas A20 Boston Bomber
Ref   868   £55
Original acrylic, signed by the artist Robert Bearman.
21cm x 32 cm ( 30cmX 40 1/2cm including mount).
signed by Bryan Burbridge DSO, DFC, 85 Sqdn
On 4 July, 1942, the first US Army Air Forces bomber mission over Western Europe was flown by American crews of the 15th Bomb Squadron operating British Bostons against airfields in the Netherlands. Bostons were also used to lay smoke screens for the raid at Dieppe in August 1942. 418 Squadron, RCAF, operated them from March 1942 - July 1943, when they were replaced by Mosquitos.
 
 
Bristol Blenheim
Ref  869    £75
Original acrylic, signed by the artist Robert Bearman.
21cm x 32 cm ( 30cmX 40 1/2cm including mount).
The mount is signed by  Air Marshall Sir Ivor Broome, 114, 105, 107, 571, 128, 163 (Oc) Squadron, also signed by his navigator Tommy Broom, 105, 571, 128 and 163 Sqdns. (it was often said 'the two brooms are out doing their sweeps')
Countries that used these aircraft (4422 were built) included United Kingdom, Canada, Finland, Turkey, Yugoslavia, Romania, Greece, Free French Air Force, Portugal, South Africa, and Croatia.
The German Luftwaffe and the Italian Regia Aeronautica both operated captured aircraft.
 
 
Airspeed Horsa Glider
Ref   870   £50
Original acrylic, signed by the artist Robert Bearman.
21cm x 32 cm ( 30cmX 40 1/2cm including mount).
The mount is signed by Staff Sergeant Richard Long, B Sqdn.
The Horsa was first used operationally in November 1942 in the unsuccessful attack on the German Heavy Water Plant at Rjukan in Norway (Operation Freshman). The two Horsa gliders, each carrying 15 sappers, and one of the Halifax tug aircraft, crashed due to bad weather. All 23 survivors from the glider crashes were executed on the orders of Hitler.
Later in the war six Horsas carried the troops who captured Pegasus Bridge, over the Caen canal, and a further bridge over the River Orne.
These gliders were pre-fabricated in 30 parts
The designer A. H. Tiltman said that the Horsa "went from the drawing board to the air in ten months, which was not too bad considering the drawings had to be made suitable for the furniture trade who were responsible for all production.
Approximately 5,000 Horsas had been built when production came to an end.
 
Allen & Wheelock Single Shot Percussion Pocket Pistol
Ref P115    £375
A&W made many single shot pistols, with a variety of barrel designs.
This one is serial number 856  and at some time it has had a repair to the hammer.
At present it holds on neither half or full cock but this could easily be put right by a gunsmith (or an experienced enthusiast).Although it has both front and rear sights, it is unlikely that this little gun would have been used other than at very close quarters.
The barrel is massively thick for its size , but rifling can just be seen.
The right grip is missing a small section at the base
Barrel length  2 1/2"   Overall length  6"
.36 Calibre Percussion Revolver
Ref P863   £675
A nickel plated European copy of Colt's .36 revolver made by François Dumoulin & Cie of Liege.
In further copying Colt, the cylinder is engraved with Brooklyn Bridge.
The engraving remains clear although the nickel has reduced with use to perhaps 80%.
The grips appear to be original.
There is considerable play in both cylinder and barrel and a very light trigger pull.
Intriguingly the barrel as well as carrying the maker's name, has an engraved crossed keys with crown. This is so close to the papal symbol as to cause conjecture.
The trigger guard has two notches. Clean bore, strong rifling. Disassembles easily.
Serial 46723
Overall length 11" Barrel length5 1/2"
 
Single Shot Percussion Pistol
Ref P647    £375
A single shot percussion pistol with British proofs but no maker's name.
The lockplate and trigger guard are engraved. Their is a vacant escutcheon on the slope of the crisply chequered butt.
Wood and metal in good condition for its age and action working properly.
Overall length  7"  Barrel length  3"
 
Single Shot Percussion Pistol
Ref  P648   £475
A nice bag handled single shot pistol with engraving to the lock and trigger guard. The left side of the lock appears to have a small crack which is virtually hidden among the engraving.
There is a vacant escutcheon on the slope of the butt. Wood and metal in good condition for its age and action working properly.
Although there is no maker's name present, the gun carries a Liege proof mark.
Overall length  7 1/2"   Barrel length  3"
 
Single Shot Flintlock Pistol with Bayonet
Ref F108   £750
This British pistol was made by T Tipping of London.
A great disadvantage of single Shot pistols before the introduction of self contained metallic ammunition was the fact that after firing there was no time to reload.
This was one early option. By pulling back the trigger guard the spring loaded bayonet swung forward and locked for use as a stabbing weapon.
This example is in good condition; the wood is sound and the bore clean. The gun has a turn off barrel and a top safety.
Overall length  7 1/2"   Barrel length 2 1/2"
 
         
 
         
 
         
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LEGAL NOTE
All firearms advertised are antique and may be legally purchased, sold, transferred, acquired and held in the United Kingdom without any form of registration or licence, as curiosities or ornaments only.

Section 58(2) of the 1968 Firearms Act applies.

These items are offered as being of historical interest for display only.

Antique arms are made from metals vastly inferior to those now in use, and were made for use with much less powerful ammunition than is available today.

Any attempt to use them for their original purpose is not only illegal but dangerous.