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.
TORONTO POLICE FORCE Antique WEBLEY RIC No. 1 Revo
Offered here is a fine example of an antique Webley RIC No. 1 Revolver, marked "T.P.F." for the Toronto Police Force. These pistols were made in England circa the late 1800s and adopted for the Royal Irish Constabulary, hence the R.IC. reference and stamp. It would become extremely popular and was adopted by law enforcement and even civilians all over the world. It was a double & single action revolver that was relatively compact and came in several different configurations. This example is chambered in .442 center fire (CF), with a barrel length of 3-5/8 inches. It is marked officially to the Toronto Police Force, engraved “T.P.F.” on the left side of the frame, under which is stamped a rack number or inventory number, possibly with the issued officer's number 535. The Webley company trademark is located under this number with “WEBLEY’S R.I.C. .442 CF” with the serial number 101963 below. Each of the cylinder flutes is proofed along with the barrel. Lovely 80% blue finish with a handsome patterned wood grip. The overall condition is very good. The action is strong, however there is some movement in the cylinder. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. This is a seldom seen firearm of Canadian police history issued in the forces infancy in the Victorian era. This is an antique and not a reproduction. It does not require a license or carry permit.
1876 Officer\'s Binocular Case with Binoculars
Offered here is one of the rarest pieces of NWMP kit. The set includes the pouch with Officers gilt badge and shoulder belt all in lacquered black leather with adjustable brass shoulder buckle. There is a set of old binoculars that fit the pouch, but they are in rough shape with black body wrap peeling, marked by a French maker as was the case for Officer private purchase optics. The badge is anchored properly with its original nuts and has a distinct foot print into the leather surface suggesting it has been there forever. The gilt leafed anchors on either side of the pouch should have two swivel loops to feed the shoulder belt though to wear on the left shoulder, the binocular case resting on the lower back. The case lid is secured shut with a securing strap buttoned to contain the binos in their pouch when riding or running. It is worn mounted or dismounted, set comfortably to allow it to drop to the side for ease of access to the optics. There are a few issues with this example, first the leather is cracked and blistered a bit from poor storage and climate controls, secondly the one swivel is missing off the right side anchor not allowing the shoulder strap to carry the pouch, but will display nicely in a cabinet. A jeweler or specialist maybe able to manufacture the part to replace it as a restoration. Lastly, the leather tab meant to hold the lid shut is torn at the button hole and the red liner is no longer tight to the body of the inside of the pouch, needing some conservation. This example is priced accordingly. A very hard piece of kit to find and an acceptable, rare, example.
Pte H.H. Loosemore 42 - RCD - WIA
Pte H Loosemore joined the Royal Canadian Dragoons and saw extensive action, receiving 5 bars for his service. He was wounded at Belfast 7 November 1900.
Gunner E. Armstrong - Welland Canal Field Battery
This is a rare Fenian Raid medal group that includes the CGS Fenian Raid medal with 1866 bar and the silver Welland County medal named in the recipients honor. The grouping includes copies of news paper clippings, the original box for the CGS medal, a veterans medal and a funeral ribbon worn for one of the Gunner's comrades. Gunner Edward Armstrong served under Maj RS King March to June 1866 at Fort Erie. He was in battle at Fort Erie and was taken Prisoner by the Fenians. His medal #14147 was sent to his Address in Port Colbourne June 19, 1902. Includes his Commemorative Veterans medal. Everyone looks for the Ridgeway medals, but few know about the Fort Erie engagement. During the raid the Fenians set up base camp and HQs in what is today Fort Erie. From there the main column marched Northeast and ran into the Canadian Militia Column at Ridgeway. Along the Niagara River a gunboat manned by the Dunnville Naval Company and members of the Welland Battery travelled to Fort Erie gathering POWs along the banks. The little force of 77 soldiers and sailors had captured about 54 and soon entered Fort Erie running right into the retreating Fenian Column from Ridgeway. A massive firefight ensued and the little force found itself up against 400 plus Fenians. After making a controlled withdrawal from the town into a small wooden building they fought off the Fenians until they ran out of ammunition and were taken prisoner. The small force suffered 4 dead, 16 wounded and 54 were captured. The Fenian were soon routed by Peackocks Column coming from the East, with the Fenians scrambling across the river, only to be arrested on the opposing shore by US authorities. Those captured by the Canadian Militia were sent to Toronto and put on trial. The Veteran Fenian leadership latter praised the Welland and Dunnville force for the stellar stand they made being out numbered by close to 800 Fenians. The local community was so proud of the little force, they commissioned a silver medal under the Welland County name for presentation to all 73 survivors. They were issued as medals with red ribbons. This example offered here was converted into a broach. The CGS is a fine example, with good patina, the Welland silver medal broach pin is broken, but the medal is named. A rare find for a very hard fought engagement by a brave little force of Canadian Militia from the local area.
LCol HJ Grasett 10th Royal Grenadiers
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. This group is very rare and important group with significant history both military and police regarding Toronto and its contributions to service and growth as a city. The medals are very fine condition and the CMG comes with its original case.
10th Royal Grenadiers Drum Major Baldrick c.1920s
Offered here is a beautiful piece of Regimental kit to the Drum Major of one of Toronto's oldest Infantry Regiments, the 10th Royal Grenadiers (today perpetuated by the Royal Regiment of Canada). The embroidery on this Baldrick is still crisp and stunning in its detail showing typical wear in some of the bullion and textile backing. The leather lining on the underside is in good condition and all stitching is intact along the edges, with maker label indicating George Potter & Co of Aldershot as the maker. The bullion shows typical tarnish and is not as brilliant as it was when issued, but stunning detail and steeped in tradition and history with the 19th century and WWI battle honors. This regiment was at Batoche in 1885, had a large contingent in the South African War 1900 to 1901, and was responsible for manning several WWI CEF Battalions, especially noted the 3rd Toronto Battalion. The 10th Amalgamated with the 3rd Toronto Regiment in 1936 to form the modern regiment of today. The drum Sticks are replacements and do not do the belt justice, but new ones could be made to replace the stand-ins currently in place.
1851 London UC Colt Pistol and Holster to E Troop
Here we offer a great opportunity to own an 1851 pattern Navy London Colt issued to the Canadian Militia in 1856. The Gun rates a 2+ on the scale for antique firearms and is accompanied with an original UC issued holster. This particular pistol was issued to "E" Troop Upper Canada (UC) Militia located in Richmond Hill and known as the Oak Ridges Troop of Cavalry. This troop was raised in 1853 and was confirmed as a Troop of Active Cavalry in the 1855 Militia Act. It was active working with and training with other troops in the area, including the Toronto and Markham Troops, and was originally part of the York County Cavalry with these troops. The York Cavalry broke up and the troops continued to parade independently through the 1860s all taking part in the Fenian Raids patrolling the Niagara Frontier with these pistols and their issued 1853 sabers. In 1866 the Toronto Troop was designated the Governor General's Body Guard (GGBG) and in 1871 "E" Troop and Markham Troop formed the 2nd Hussars, later the 2nd Dragoons, with 6 other troops with that Regiment. In 1889 the M&D decided to rationalize the Cavalry in UC and Markham and Oak Ridges troops, local Toronto units, were transferred into the GGBG, mainly to strengthen the GGBG into a Regiment. Today the troop is perpetuated by the Governor General's Horse Guards. The pistol is in good condition with a working mechanism. The etching on the cylinder is visible and the lettering is sharp with British proof marks. The wood grip is original and is well marked with E-UC-16. The Barrel is clean and suffers little wear. All parts are with the same serial number, however the wedge has not been inspected, but these are often replaced. The holster is in rough shape with chunk of the original patented black leather chafed off and the flap rather stiff. It is marked on the inside E-UC-12. Same unit, different rack numbers. A nice set for a serious collector of period Militia firearms.
5th Battalion Canadian Militia
Volunteers have served since the regiment's inception in Montreal on January 31, 1862, as the 5th Battalion, Volunteer Militia Rifles of Canada.3 The rise of American military strength during the Civil War concerned Canada. The government authorized formation of militia regiments. Each of six Montreal Scottish chieftains responded by raising an infantry company for the 5th Battalion. Eventually, eight companies were raised to form the Battalion. This is the 1876 Helmet Plate for the Battalion with all of it lugs intact. A great example.
1876 Officer\'s Binocular Case
Offered here is one of the rarest pieces of NWMP kit. The set includes the pouch with Officers gilt badge and brown leather shoulder belt with adjustable brass shoulder buckle. The badge is anchored properly with its original nuts and has a distinct foot print into the leather surface suggesting it has been there forever. The gilt leafed anchors on either side of the pouch have two swivel loops to feed the shoulder belt though to wear on the left shoulder, the binocular case resting on the lower back. The case lid is secured shut with a securing strap buttoned to contain the binos in their pouch when riding or running. It is worn mounted or dismounted, set comfortably to allow it to drop to the side for ease of access to the optics. There are a few minor issues with this example, first the leather face suffers minor cracks and the thread for the leather hinge holding the leather lid to its leather case have rotted away as a result of poor climate controls, secondly the red liner is no longer tight to the body of the inside of the pouch, needing some conservation. Otherwise, this example is in very good condition and could be displayed on a tunic. A very hard piece of kit to find and an acceptable, rare, fine example. Binoculars are not included.
Royal Irish Constabulary Badge of Merit Award
These badges were instituted in the 1840s specifically for the RIC. This is a rare silver badge often accompanied with a chevron with a name and date of the recipient or the name on the obverse of the badge. These badges are given to Constables for great deeds of courage in the line of duty, examples include; saving lives from drowning or action in battle with rebels. This particular example is not marked to anyone and it has a breast pin for wear on a tunic, rather than mounted using lugs on a piece of black leather. It appears the device may have had lugs at one time with faint marks or footprints at the twelve, six and nine o'clock points on the reverse. These badge have been sold at auction for $2000 or more named. This one is priced as an unnamed example.