Sold Gallery
These pages display a number of the rare items that I have had the pleasure of selling. To view more details and a larger photograph please click on the thumbnail picture.
Cape belonging to LCol HJ Grasett 10th Royal Grena
Offered is a very rare item of clothing for Officers of the Royal Grenadiers dated 1886 that was owned by a very important historical figure of Toronto. An Officers cape with significant Toronto history both military and police. The Cape is in very fine condition and is named with Grenadier officer buttons and neck chain. The gray wool cloth is moth free and lined with a fine linen with some loose thread at the collar. This item came with the Col\'s medals that now reside in the Toronto Police Museum. Lieutenant-Colonel Henry James Grasett CMG (June 18, 1847 – September 30, 1930) was a Canadian army and militia officer, and a Toronto police chief. He is the longest-serving police chief in the history of the Toronto Police, having served for 34 years from 1886 to 1920 as Chief Constable. Grasett was the third son of the Reverend Henry James Grasett, the Rector of St. James Cathedral in Toronto, and Sarah Maria Stewart. He was educated at a Toronto private school and at Leamington College for Boys in England. At 19, he returned to Canada and joined the Canadian militia. He fought on the Niagara Peninsula during the Fenian raid of 1866 with the 2nd Battalion, Volunteer Militia Rifles of Toronto (QOR), In 1867, he joined the British Army serving with The Royal Canadian Regiment 100th Foot in Canada and England and rose to the rank of lieutenant by the time he retired to Toronto in 1875, where he became a partner in a firm of shipping and commission merchants. In 1885, he was given the rank of lieutenant colonel in the militia and put in command of the 10th Battalion Royal Grenadiers which fought in several battles during the North-West Rebellion of 1885, including the charge at Batoche. On December 1, 1886, Grasett was appointed Chief Constable of Toronto. During his command of the Toronto Police he saw the force grow from 172 to 662 men. Under Grasett, the police remained largely British and Protestant in composition. Patrolmen were armed for the first time under Grasett. He also oversaw innovations such as the institution of an electric call box and signal system, patrol wagons, bicycles, motorcycles and ultimately police cars and also reorganized the morality squad and department of detectives. Training and promotion was modelled on the military. Grasett served as vice-president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 1902 and as president of the Chief Constables\' Association of Canada in 1906. Unlike previous Toronto chief constables, Grasett largely refrained from making controversial public statements except during World War I when he spoke out against foreigners in Toronto and banned outdoor anti-conscription meetings. He was appointed to the Order of St Michael and St George in 1916 for his contributions to the war effort. In 1918, dissatisfied with wages, discipline and work conditions, Toronto police constables unionized, joined the Toronto Trades and Labour Council, and went on strike. At the provincial commission that was created to investigate the unrest, Grasett expressed his opposition to one of the union\'s key demands, promotion by seniority. Grasett retired as chief constable in 1920, at the age of 73. He died of pneumonia at his home in 1930 and was buried in St James\' Cemetery.
Queen\'s Own Rifles Six Panel Universal Pattern
This offer is a very well made ORs pith helmet from a Montreal Maker. All the parts on it are blackened for a Rifle Regiment. This is a great example of a late Victorian piece of headgear worn by one of Canada\'s best known and storied militia regiments. The cloth cover and liner in great shape, the outer shell yellowed and slightly soiled. The chinstrap complete and the liner in excellent condition. A nice addition to any collection.
Antique Three Band .455 Snider Rifle Stamped DC
Standard three band snider rifle in good overall condition with diamond cartouche stamped DC on left side of butt. No unit marks. Tower marked with the date of 1867. Wood is overall good condition with honest wear, original finish, with divot on the for stock on the right side. Barrel is in good condition, with obvious wear and the action works. All parts are present and are original to the rifle, includes a period sling. These antique weapons are sold to Canadian customers only due to the issues with imports these days.
WWII Canadian 2nd Armoured Car Regiment Cap Badge
A hard badge to find, in good condition, with both lugs intact.
Navy Drum c.1925
A beautifully adorned hand painted National Coat of Arms crest on a standard WWI era drum on a navy blue field. In great condition and a great piece to add to ones war room. Sticks included.
WWI DEACTIVATED Mk VI Webley Pistol
Offered is the standard pistol for Commonwealth troops in WWI fully deactivated and ready for display. In great condition, it is well marked, dated 1918. Includes a lanyard. (For Canadian customers only due to import restrictions)
South Africa War Campaign Officer Insignia Set
Rare South African War Officer Insignia issued for the South African War campaign and as a General List insignia. All silver wash with a Canada rare title. The collars are maker marked.
WWI DEACTIVATED Mk VI Webley Pistol
Offered is the standard pistol for Commonwealth troops in WWI fully deactivated and ready for display. In great condition, it is well marked, dated 1918. Includes a lanyard. (For Canadian customers only due to import restrictions)
Navy Drum c.1925
A beautifully adorned hand painted National Coat of Arms crest on a standard WWI era drum on a navy blue field. In great condition and a great piece to add to ones war room. Sticks included.
Antique Three Band .455 Snider Rifle Stamped DC
Standard three band snider rifle in good overall condition with diamond cartouche stamped DC on left side of butt. No unit marks. Tower marked with the date of 1867. Wood is overall good condition with honest wear, original finish, with divot on the for stock on the right side. Barrel is in good condition, with obvious wear and the action works. All parts are present and are original to the rifle, includes a period sling. These antique weapons are sold to Canadian customers only due to the issues with imports these days.