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.
WWII Canadian 2\" Mortar, Mark 8* (deactivated)
Offered here a chance to own an original deactivated Canadian 2" Mortar that has seen a lot of service. Introduced in 1938, these tubes were a close quarter, quick fire device that could give a Platoon some integral indirect fire. Every Canadian Platoon had one with its HQ Section during WWII. It could fire High Explosive, Smoke and illumination rounds and had a rate of fire of 8 rounds / minute. These were also used during the Korean War and did not go out of service until the late 1950s, early 60s. The modern equivalent would be the M203 Grenade Launcher on the C7. This example has the simplified base plate with the tube and base assembly as per the standard Mark 8* model. It is marked, but the paint has obscured the stamps. It reads 2" Mortar 8* over the date that appears to be 1943 over the serial number. There is what appears to be an Ohio manufacturer stamp on the tube near the base. The trigger assembly is intact with its original pull string. There is a steel bar welded to block the opening of the tube and a 1" hole has been drilled into the tube to compromise the use of the tube at the base to make the weapon Inoperable. The sight is missing, with only the white line present on the tube to line the weapon with its target. The muzzle cap and the proper short sling are present with hooks. No Dewat munitions included. A very cool addition to a WWII Canadian collection that rounds off how a basic Infantry platoon was armed. * CANDIAN CUSTOMERS ONLY.
Antique 1849 Pocket Navy Colt 5 chamber .31 Cal Pi
Here we have a nice clean Colt Pocket with its brown leather holster. Its 5" octagonal barrel is in good condition with crisp rifling and a clear address marking. The silvered brass strap has about 45% of its original finish and the wood grips are in good condition with original stain, but a slight dent on the left side. The serial numbers are matching, the wedge is unknown. The action is tight and crisp. The overall finish is about 75% with a nice patina and the cylinder image is very clearly defined, better than most. The holster fits like a glove and is soft and pliable, with its original stud closure. Part of the seam has come unstitched on the side, but otherwise in great shape. A nice set for a classic Colt pistol. This is an antique percussion hand gun and does not require a PAL.
Antique 1860 Colt Army .44 Cal Percussion US Army
Offered here is an original 1860 Colt Model Army issued to US Cavalry and other troops. Martially marked it rates a 2 on the Antique quality scale. It is .44 Cal with a 3 screw frame, brass trigger guard with inspector marks on the frame and cartouche on both the right and left side of the grip. A nice overall patina, functional mechanism and reasonable good 8" barrel. The original finish is mostly gone from the barrel, with some blueing left on the frame. Steel strap with original wood grips in good condition, the left side having a noticeable surface scratch. Matching serial numbers and readable address on the barrel. A nice solid representative antique pistol from the Civil War. A staple for those collectors interested in that conflict. This is an antique percussion hand gun and does not require a PAL.
Naval General Service Medal (1793-1840) - with Tra
Benjamin Sadler was born in County Salop, Parish Hales Owen and enlisted at Birmingham with trade experience as a nailor. He was attested 30 Dec 1800 with the Plymouth Division Royal Marines (RM) at the age of 19. He served with the 96th Coy RM serving on the 74 gun "H.M.S. SPARTIATE" for the period 1 Sep 1805 to 28 Feb 1806 as shown on the Ships Muster under entry number 41. HMS SPARTIATE was present at the Battle of Trafalgar 31 Oct 1805 suffering 5 killed and 20 wounded during the fight. of the 20,901 NGS issued only 121 were for Royal Marines. A rare medal to a great battle. Benjamin also served with 115 Coy Plymouth Division RM and was struck off the roles 6 Oct 1815 due to old wounds sustained during his service. It is unclear which battle these wounds may have occurred or if they were the result of an accident on board or even from harsh discipline he may have suffered. This medal was purchased 20 to 30 years ago by a Canadian Collector. Possibly it was purchased from Spinks. After more research it was found that although the owner here in Canada had the same name sake, Sadler, The family was in no way related. The medal changed hands one more time to a very serious long time collector who passed in 2020. Hence it is now on the market once more. The medal suffers some pitting, but an original piece.
Normandy Beach Invasion Vest
Here we offer the rare opportunity to own the famous invasion vest worn by first wave soldiers on Juno Beach. It includes all the kit to fill the pockets, sleeves and straps.
RCR Staff Sgt Tunic C.1910
This is an upgrade to the other ranks full dress tunic, made with better materials and detailing. The tunic has its metal collars and shoulder titles, the rank of Sergeant Major, later staff Sergeant with 3 stripes and a crown stitched to the right arm. The gilt thread, braid and piping is in good condition as is the tunic overall, with one small discoloured spot on the left shoulder seam. It retains its rich scarlet colour and blue facings. There is no sign of mothing and the liner is in good condition. A nice example.
Midlothian Yeomanry Officer\'s Helmet Plate
This is one of the British Armies more attractive helmet plates and is in fine condition with its original lugs. The gilding and silver wash are still bright and apparent on the obverse as well.
78th Highland Regiment Officer\'s Belt Buckle
Another famous Highland Regiment buckle worn by officers with full dress on a brocade belt that would carry the dirk. The silver fittings are in good shape mounted on the gilded buckle plate.
Officer\'s Patrol Jacket c.1890s
This style of tunic was a favorite of Infantry and support troop officers as a field tunic in the 19th century. There are many images of Officers on field duty in photos and artists interpretations wearing these tunics with their regular pattern of trouser. The earlier patterns of these tunics did not have epaulettes, rank was indicated on the collar. This detail is seen in many images from the rebellion of 1885. Later the tunics were fitted with epaulettes for shoulder insignia after 1881, in Canada this transition was often slower than in the mother country and may explain why so few are seen in 1885 photos with epaulettes. Braid was different for each according to the service and unit custom. This was an infantry pattern, and the heavy braided knots on the front would suggest rifles, however the rank is gilt. More research is required to pin down the unit. British Hussar patterns of these tunics are different with every unit, it can be confusing, the detail difference minor. A beautiful example offered here, there are no obvious moth holes at all, some of the braid is loose on the collar and a corner of the collar has come apart, needing some minor repair. The braid is in perfect condition otherwise and the liner is excellent. An nice example that can be displayed with white officer sword belt, shoulder belt and binocular case and the early peak or Torin caps for the field. Named to a Captain Jeffersen, this actual tunic is illustrated in Clive Laws book "Scarlet to Khaki" on page 64. Very hard to find in this condition.
Custom 1796 Light Cavalry Officer Saber to an Iris
This is a beautifully preserved custom made sword and scabbard made by Archer of Dublin. The Scabbard is ornately decorated with floral design, a George II cypher and Irish harp, with clear maker's mark. The blade is near mint condition well etched. A masterpiece to add to any collection of Napoleonic era or Cavalry Swords.