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.
Antique Native Trade Flintlock Pistol by Ketland a
These attractive contract pistols were originally introduced as trade guns, but were later used by the Indian Department to gain favour with the natives as gifts in Upper and Lower Canada during the War of 1812. The Department had been supplied by the crown with these pistols, sword hangers, trade muskets and silver gorgets and arm bands to distribute in order to gain allies for the colonial defense. It is not clear that these pistols or the swords were well received by the natives, but the muskets and silver were certainly taken into use. It is thought that the swords and pistols were eventually handed off to the Militia for use by Officers and Cavalry. Some versions of these pistols have been found with modifications more conducive to Cavalry. This particular example is in its original form and stamped on the lock plate Ketland and Walker, a well known manufacturer of these guns during this period. There is also a Broad Arrow with crown stamp above the maker name. The barrel is proof marked and there is a GR over 1800 stamp in the grip behind the lock plate. The wood stock is original, in overall good condition overall with typical wear, a dent or two and its finish intact. The brass fittings and lock plate are original to the piece as well as the heavy lock, equipped with a flint. The brass fittings show some wear and the mechanical function of the gun works. The ram rod is likely a replacement, but typical of the form. The barrel is in nice condition with a nice brown patina. A nice representative flintlock pistol that was meant for service in Canada.
A HAWKER HURRICANE CONTROL COLUMN SPADE GRIP, 1940
An amazing piece of aviation history in just this single object. Cut from the cockpit of a Hawker Hurricane, this control column with its fire switch is a summary of the most important aerial battle of the second world war, the Battle of Britain. We must not forget these aircraft accompanied bombers over Berlin and strafed the battlefields around Normandy to win the war. A great piece of kit for the serious Air Force collector. If you can't own the aircraft, this certainly is an alternative and can fit in your collection room no problem. It says it all!
WWI RAF Identified Canadian Pilot Tunic, Cap and B
Offered is the standard flight uniform better known as the "maternity" tunic. The tunic has a Toronto based tailor label in the pocket, and has original rank insignia for a 2nd Lt with RAF pilot wings. The lining is in good condition, there are three tiny moth holes, 2 on the sleeve and one on the back shoulder. (The tunic has been stored in below freezing conditions to kill any remaining moths.) The breeches are standard pattern and the RFC/RAF cap is standard pattern, well marked with its original RFC badge. The light coloured breeches favored by pilots are included, and in good condition. The set comes with CEF documents and records of the owner, Lt C.G. Brenhand, RAF, who enlisted in Jan1918 and achieved Pilot status in April 1918. A fabulous original set with provenance.
WWI RFC/RAF Flight Hood Helmet
Standard pull over leather helmet used by Commonwealth pilots. Shows wear with a few tuft of fur missing, but otherwise presentable. A favorite of flight crews.
WWII RCAF/RAF Flight Helmet with Goggles
Flight helmet Type C with Mk VII goggles. Both in good condition, the goggle elastic band is stretched, but still does the job for display. The helmet has typical wear. A great set for any display.
WWII RCAF/RAF Irvin Bomber Outfit
The classic Bomber crew over suit for high altitude bombing over Germany. This outfit includes the jacket, pants and boots. The set is rough, well worn and need of some minor repair. There is a tear in the back of the jacket and the pants knee has also suffered repairs. The leather is chaffed and there are parts missing. The zipper takes some work to get going and the fur is still in place. The winter boots are also worn, the zippers work and they watch the overall look of the suit. If you want to display an affordable rough and rugged Bomber crew display, this will fit the bill. These jackets are hard to find these days and in mint condition fetch $1K on their own.
Other Ranks 1902 Universal British/Canadian Milita
Offered here is the standard saddle used by Canadian Cavalry Troops from 1902 to 1940. This particular saddle dates from WWI and has all of its parts and add on components to include: Saddle with felts in good condition overall Girth and cinch Wallets Horseshoe wallet and sword straps Rifle boot Mess tins Various straps Water bucket Peg Rope Stirrups and straps The pads are in good condition, but the right rear has a bite size chunk out of the bottom. The leather is supple and in good condition, but the stirrup straps are dry and cracked. The attachments are all together and complete. A few straps are authentic reproductions. A sound example for display or reenactment. Stand included.
38th Dufferin and Haldimand Rifles Wolseley Helmet
Here we offer an excellent example of a Wolseley helmet worn by the CO of the 38th Rifles dating to about 1939. The helmet has a unique regimental pugaree approved in 1937 with a small cap badge center to the front of the cork helmet, approved in 1939. The Pugaree was supposed to be white, but the CO convinced HQs to accept the regimental colour version. The helmet has the CO's name in pencil on the inside lining and a regimental stamp to the 38th. The condition of the helmet overall is very good, with normal wear, and includes a chin strap and storage bag. The liner and fitting band are classic construction and in good condition. There is a faint maker and size mark as well on the interior. These sun helmets were typically worn on militia summer camps and exercises for decades since their introduction in 1911. This unit was not mobilized for overseas service during World War II, but they did do service here in Canada as a recruiting and home front unit. The CO name requires more research.
Major General Rutherford Bicorn and Insignia with
Here we offer some of the belongings of MGen Robert William Rutherford who was the Commander of the 6th Canadian Division during the first World War and a regular force Artillery Captain during the Northwest Rebellion. He was also a noted artist with several well known works depicting military historical events that are note worthy. MGen RW Rutherford was born Aug 21, 1857 and attended the Royal Military School in Halifax, graduating in 1877. He was an Officer in the Canadian Regular Permanent Militia 1877 to 1885 stationed in Halfax, Kingston and Ottawa. He was in Col Otter's Column during the 1885 Rebellion. He was a Capt in "B" Battery Royal Canadian Artillery on this campaign. He was Mentioned in Dispatches for distinguished service at Cut Knife Hill and in Operations against Chief Big Bears' band. He was later promoted Major in 1896, LCol in 1905 and Col in 1907. He was Commandant of the Royal School of Artillery from No 15 1907 to Mar 31, 1908 and then appointed Master General of Ordnance and Colonial Militia Staff in Apr 1908. He was later appointed Commanding Officer of the 6th Divisional Area in 1913 and promoted Major General Dec 23, 1914 until his retirement Mar 31, 1916. He died Jan 5, 1933 at 75 and is buried in Cataraqui Cemetery. Included in the collection are a girth of documents, both official and personal correspondence, military documentation, original art work and scrap books, his General's insignia and his bicorn. Although the tin reads Colonel Rutherford, the bicorn, in mint condition, was modified with General rank braid. The General rank feathers are in good condition and come with their tin as well, but the stem is short making mounting a little difficult, but doable. Unfortunately his medals are not included, There is a photocopy of his picture included. He was most famous for his painting called "the Surrender of Poundmaker", painted in 1887, shown here, but not included.
82nd Canadian Militia Bn White Overseas Helmet 187
Here is a nice example of a period 1898 dated 4 panel helmet in white blanko with a helmet plate to the 82nd Canadian Militia Bn. This is a hand-me-down from the British Army, originally marked to the Royal Artillery, rebadged and marked WD 1898. The embossed rosettes and brass chin scale are missing, but the proper vented cap sits on the crown of the helmet as for field wear. Condition wise the lining and the liner show a lot of honest wear, all original to the helmet. The body shows lots of use with the white blanko finish flaked off in numerous locations, there is some damage to the front crown cork inner body showing a bit of distortion in the shape at the front of the crown vent cap. Probably dropped on its crown once too often, but does not take away from the overall shape. These period helmets fetch ridiculous money in the UK, here is one to fill a void in a collection at a reasonable price. If you want a Boer War dated Helmet this is it. If you have a South Africa issue Khaki helmet cover, put it on without the badge and you have the perfect dated example.