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.
NWMP Sabretache Badge
This is the granddaddy of them all. An extremely rare and desirable badge with all the markers of an original piece. The bimetal 5" tall badge is stamped, not cast. The Shaggy buffalo head is in silver and attached to the center with three pins on the back. These marvelous badges were worn on a leather pouch known as a Sabretache, a military accoutrement that dates back to the late 18th century. The sabretache was carried by all ranks in the Cavalry. When a soldier sat in his saddle the pouch and sabre would hang on the left side for easy access. The soldiers had plain pouches, and the officer's typically had two patterns, one was ornate, made with bullion thread, the other was plain black leather with a badge. The RCMP were organized as a para military force and adopted the traditions of the cavalry, including this accoutrement. However, the issue of these items was limited to Officers only. The pouch served as a portable office, with maps, orders, paper and pen, it served as a writing board and a file cabinet. Messages would be carried in these pouches by soldiers or officers on dispatch duty. Likely a NWMP Officer would carry regulations, pen paper, orders and warrants in these pouches. Here is a rare opportunity to own one of these badges in top drawer condition, the buffalo head still has much of its silver wash, the brass body is undamaged, three of the securing posts with their original washers and nuts remain in good condition, with the forth post on the bottom missing.
Governor General\'s Foot Guard Officer Sword c.1
A beautiful period sword for a Foot Guard officer with mint etched blade. The Scabbard has wear and some minor corrosion, with the two hanger rings. The Etched blade has a banner mid point that reads "Governor General of Canada Foot Guards" and the opposing side has the Governor Generals emblem, a Lion with Crown, over the Guard's Star. In the hilt is a star relief between the rails of the hilt, similar in manner to a a hunting horn found on Rifle Regiment swords. A beautiful Canadian sword to one of the top regiments of its day.
NWMP Band Badge c.1897
Offered here is one of the rarest badges in the hobby. Few have seen one, but they did exists and is described in full detail in Klancher's book (page 218; 11-16) on RCMP Insignia. This badge is identical to the one used on the Sabretache in size (5") and design, but is manufactured simply as a single pressed brass badge with screw back anchor bolts and barrel nuts to attach to the pith helmet. They were introduced for wear by the band and were made in small quantities, the band only being 25 or so members. This particular example has its original anchors in place, two with the original nuts. The badge has a slight curvature to form to the front of the helmet and the anchors bend in slightly too to pull the badge to the body of the helmet for the right fit. A very nice patina and the detailing is sharp and crisp. Impossible to copy from the Sabretache due to the buffalo head's lower profile and seamless fit to the body of the badge within the motto belt. A badge for the colector with everything.
1904 Tudor Crown RNWMP Cloth Bullion Badge
This is a very rare puppy, and very desirable. Well worn and showing its age, an honest example of a rare badge.
1860 .44 Cal percussion Army Colt for Civilian Mar
Here we offer a classic firearm of the civil war era and early days of the wild west. Many soldiers or their family members would buy their own hand gun privately on the civilian market before they set off to war. This fact is proven in countless studio portrait photos of the period. Further, as the west opened during the 1860s, these reliable handguns were purchased for self defense by cowboys, lawmen and settlers prior to the introduction of the more reliable cartridge firearms. This civilian pistol has held up well over the years with its original wood grip fitting tight and showing the slightest of wear. The frame, cylinder and barrel are free of pitting or corrosion, with some minor surface dents and scratches, retaining about 60% of its original finish. The action is mechanically functional and tight. The image on the cylinder is still visible and there is some dirt and minor corrosion around the percussion nipples. There are no government marshal inspector marks on this firearm that would indicate it is military issue. It has crisp and clear maker marks on the top of the octagonal 7" barrel "Address Col Sam Colt - New York - US America", with matching serial #182457. The .44 Cal. bore is clear of rust or pitting, with its groves showing minimal wear. A nice example of a classic civil war era antique firearm. (The frame pin has not been removed to check the serial number, these slides are rarely matched to the gun and no guarantee is offered here that it matches the frame or cylinder.)
NWMP Binocular Case/pith helmet Officer Badge c.18
Offered here is a rare opportunity to buy an original and coveted badge to the North West Mounted Police. These rare badges are highly sought after, and are seldom available on the market. This particular example has a beautiful patina and measures about 3" tall. These badges were worn on both the binocular case and the pith helmet by Officers in the field. The only issue with this example is the posts have come off on the back, regardless of this deficiency, it is still a highly desirable badge, but also priced accordingly, a little less expensive than a perfect example.
\"A\" Division Helmet Plate
A rare opportunity to buy a hard to find original badge to "A" Division Officers stationed in Ottawa. On February 1, 1920, the Act to amend the Royal North West Mounted Police Act came into force. The Act changed the name of the RNWMP to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and allowed for the move of RCMP headquarters to Ottawa from Regina. In addition, the Dominion Police was terminated and its roles and responsibilities for federal policing in Eastern Canada were taken over by the RCMP. Special rules were included to allow the former members of the Dominion Police to join the RCMP, if they wished. As the RCMP had no presence in Ottawa, "A" Division was created as a home for those former members who opted to join. From this beginning, "A" Division grew to become the RCMP's division responsible for federal policing duties in the National Capital Region. In 2013, "A" Division was renamed "National" Division. Prior to the Dominion Police amalgamating to form the RCMP, they wore blue uniforms and blue pith helmets of the London Bobby style. When "A" Division was established in 1920 they continued to wear this headdress with a new badge until 1939 when they reverted to RCMP headdress. We now offer for sale this very limited pattern. A fine example with its lugs intact.
WWII Original War Bond Posters
4 Wonderfully preserved cardboard backed posters 20" by 28" with folded cardboard stands on the reverse. These would likely have been posted in Banks to encourage people to buy. Great backdrop pieces to any WWII collection.
CGS Medal for Fenian Raids - 1866 bar (Ridgeway)
Here we offer a fine specimen of a Canadian General Service (CGS) medal to Sgt G Harman who was present at the Battle of Ridgeway. The medal has a surface scratch just to the left of the image of the Queen's face and a few minor knocks. Nice patina with original ribbon and miniature included. With the group is an early pattern Other Ranks black shako badge to the 2nd Bn that reads simply "Queen;s Own Rifles' with minor scratches and wear in the painted surface and a black rifle button of the period. A 1910 QOR Centennial medal and post card ar also included in the group. A nice group to a famous unit and a soldier who was there facing the Fenian invaders.
South African Constabulary Slouch Hat Badge
This is the first issue badge c. 1901. The original white leather backing indicating the officer being with "D" Division of the Western Transvaal, has yellowed with age. Includes one version of the SAC shoulder titles. The lugs are original and the badges are overall in fine condition. British planning for the postwar period included a para-military force to police the conquered Boer republics. This resulted in the creation of the South African Constabulary (SAC). In August 1900, two months after the fall of Pretoria, Major-General Robert Baden-Powell was appointed to raise and command the new force. He encouraged many Canadians to join the force. In retrospect, British hopes that the 8,500-strong constabulary could assume responsibility for pacifying the countryside were hopelessly optimistic. The Boers continued to fight on following the capture of their capitals, contrary to the expectations of the British high command. The force was involved in quelling the Boers and was constantly engaged in operations to end of hostilities.