WW1 / WW2 / 20th Century
A Group Of WW1 Medals for the Army Veterinary Corps. Of a WW1 Trio, Special Enlistment. & The King's Medal An LCC Medal 1914-15 for Attendance, Conduct and Industry As A London Schoolboy, Straight from School as a Special Enlistment To The Western Front
For Acting Staff Sergeant G.C.Hine AVC. Special Enlistment.
During WWI, Staff Sergeants in the Army Veterinary Corps (AVC) played a crucial role in treating and managing sick or wounded horses, mules, and pigeons, with British personnel numbers expanding from 934 to 41,755. They served on the Western Front, in the Middle East, and staffed Mobile Veterinary Sections.
Key Aspects of WWI Veterinary Staff Sergeants:
Roles & Duties: Staff Sergeants supervised the care of animals in veterinary hospitals and mobile sections. They were often stationed along lines of communication, treating wounded animals transferred from the front lines.
In British records, Staff Sergeants are listed with service numbers often prefixed by "SE" (Special Enlistment). Examples of individuals include Staff Sergt A W Baird SE/366 and Acting Serjeant Benjamin Aldred SE/18086.
In the U.S. Army, veterinary training for personnel was organized at camps like Fort Riley and Camp Lee.
The British Royal Army Veterinary Corps was vital, with many veterinarians serving as officers and managing vast numbers of animals.
While some served in veterinary hospitals, they were rarely part of the initial divisional mobile veterinary section establishment.
Many AVC personnel, including sergeants are documented in archival photos from the era.
In 1914, in Great Britain, the Army had a mere 25,000 horses at its disposal , but – thanks to a well-prepared Remount Service, the body responsible for buying and training horses – was able to identify and purchase (with varying degrees of agreement on the part of the owners) between 140,000 and 165,000 horses and mules in a matter of days after the declaration of war on Germany. This enabled Britain to enter the War with the necessary numbers of cavalry and traction animals, but was soon insufficient to maintain the supply. Enter the United States and Canada, but also Argentina. Thanks to extensive breeding of – in particular – mules, in states such as Missouri, Britain was able to import, acclimatise and then transfer to the Front some 429,000 horses and 275,000 mules. The Blue Cross estimates that, by 1917, there were 869,931 horses on active service.
While detailed information on the status of the British veterinary contingent is hard to come by, a small group of British benefactors, calling themselves ‘Our Dumb Friends’ League’ (‘dumb’ in the sense of ‘mute’), which had previously been active in the care and protection of working horses in London and other major British cities, entered the scene, establishing ten horse hospitals (and later three dog hospitals) in France.
At the height of the War, more than 80 volunteer veterinarians (and 150 assigned French soldiers) were working for the League under the banner of (the Society of) the ‘Blue Cross’, a term first coined in the Balkan War of 1912 to distinguish its stocks and facilities from those of the Red Cross.
When veterinarians are accompanying these campaigns, following a few kilometres behind the military columns, they have to deal with piercing wounds (from barbed wire, sabres, bayonets, bullets, shrapnel from exploded grenades or shells), lameness and pressure wounds from saddles and gear. The latter, especially in summertime, are often further compounded by respiratory distress due to the inhalation of dust and gunpowder, while winter brings colds due to inadequate shelter against the rain and cold weather. Much lameness is due to penetrating nails, which have come off the wooden wheels of wagons, carts and gun carriages. In addition, chronic malnutrition, lack of quality roughage, lack of water and insufficient rest are widely held responsible for intestinal tract disorders, such as colic
the number for Australia's home grown Walers sent to war was catastrophic for the breed, which is still in existence but with numbers in the hundreds...
Approximately 136,000 Australian horses, known as Walers, went to war, but only one horse, Sandy, returned to Australia.
The 1914-15 London County Council (LCC) "King's Medal" was a bronze award for exemplary school attendance, conduct, and industry. It typically features King George V on the obverse, a "1914-15" bar, and is named on the rim to the student, often coming with a ribbon on County Council (LCC), taking over from the School Board for London in 1904.
Recognising the most deserving schoolchildren for consistent attendance and good behavior.
Design Details: Bronze, 32mm diameter, featuring King George V (often with engraver "F. RANSOM") on the obverse and a, "awarded by the London County Council for attendance conduct and industry" inscription on the reverse.
These were part of a series running from the late 19th century until 1920, with 1919/20 being the final year.
These were prestigious home-front awards issued during the early years of World War I read more
120.00 GBP
Just Arrived And You May Never See Another Like it! An Incredibly Rare And Immensely Desirable Original Collectors Item For Machine Gun Collectors. A 1938 Dated Mauser, WW2 German MG 34 Machine Gunners Tool Kit. Complete and Mint
Naturally, an unfamiliar reader may find it incredible that a tool kit could be so valuable, but this, is for very, very, dedicated collectors of rare German WW2 militaria, and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity in the UK. Fortunately there are still some German WW2 collectables that are are still readily affordable, but some pieces, of great rarity, are prized beyond pearls
A Near mint MG-34 machine gun armourer’s kit with can dated "1938" and in original camouflage paint. Kit includes handles, files, pliers, calipers, spanner for MG-34, and adjustable wrench as manufactured by Mauser, as well as punches, portable vice and broken shell extractor. Some of the original paper packaging remains. These kits occasionally surface but are seldom if ever found in as complete and near mint a condition as this fantastic specimen.
Exceptional conditional throughout with little or no apparent use. Metal tools retain a light coating of preservative oil with original paint flaking at some of the high points. Just about as nice as can be possibly found. This is an absolutely tremendous find for the German WWII machine gun enthusiast. This is a museum piece of a rarity that cannot be over stated
We have only ever seen one near like it, and that sold at Murphy’s Auction in the States for $7,800 last year, after an astonishing bidding war.
It also includes a rare debris protection cover, in rubber, to put over the end of the muzzle of the MG34, and, two pretty rare original SS issue Frostschutzsalbe tin (anti-frostbite ointment), finished in red with impressed white lettering. The lid reads: “Frostschutzsalbe / Wehrkreissanitätspark VII / München / SS-Packung”; translates as “Anti-frostbite ointment / Army District Medical Depot VII / Munich / SS-Package.”
The ointment was supplied to frontline SS and Wehrmacht troops operating in extreme winter conditions, particularly on the Eastern Front, where frostbite was a major cause of casualties. These tins were distributed as part of cold-weather kits and personal medical issue. however, they were also used as a lubricant for the gun in minus 30 degrees and below.
One tin is large the other small. They remain sealed and cannot be opened, so it is not possible to confirm whether any of the original salve remains inside.
Frostbite was a critical threat to German forces during the harsh winters of the Eastern Front campaign. The German medical service issued frostbite salves and protective creams in small tins such as this, designed to fit easily into pockets or pouches. The reference to Wehrkreissanitätspark VII (Munich) identifies the regional medical supply depot responsible for production and distribution.
SS-marked examples are notably scarcer than standard Wehrmacht issue, reflecting both their restricted distribution and the relatively low survival rate of consumable medical supplies after the war.
Tool kit case dimensions: 14 - 1/2" X 3 - 1/2" X 7" read more
A Most Intruiging Allach Artwork. An Original Third Reich SS-Julleuchter. An Award & Trophy of the German Schutzstaffel Presented By Himmler to Officers Then Members of the SS From1936 -1944. A Pagan Runic Winter Solstice Lamp, An SS Service Decoration
NOW SOLD!
In brown ceramic with incised decoration of runic symbols, designed to hold the Winter Solstice candle, and it bears the large SS Allach factory stamp into one of its four feet. Their are numerous wax traces of original use, in several shades of white and dark brown
The Nordic history of the Third Reich Julleuchter, originated from a swedish artifact, a candle holder " The 16th century Julleuchter" was housed in the Nordic Museum and had a height of 15 cm and a base of 8.2 cm squared. It was a candle-holder that has an incised heart shape and a six-spoked opening.
The artefact was described in 1888 in the magazine of the Swedish literary club Runa (founded by Johan August Strindberg), which compared the six-spoked window in its base with the shape of the medieval h-rune; the 1888 article attributed a 16th-century date to the object (the earliest date of the introduction of candles to Scandinavian households)
The Runa article came to the attention of Herman Wirth because of its supposed "Hagal rune" (the six-spoked window at its base) who mentioned it in his Ura Linda Chronik, whence it passed into Nazi-era Germanic mysticism.
In a 1936 memorandum, Heinrich Himmler set forth a list of approved holidays, in part supposedly based on "pagan" traditions, including a "Julfest" intended to replace Christian rites. The Julleuchter and other symbols were also meant to serve as a consolation to women who, by having married into the SS, had to renounce the spiritual shelter and service of their church. The SS officer was instructed to set up a shrine that included, an awarded by Himmler, ceramic Julleuchter in the corner of one room of his household.
In January 1936, the SS Porzellan Manufaktur Allach was created under the control of Heinrich Himmler. Well known artists were forced to participate. in October 1937 production was shifted to the SS-operated Allach sub camp of the Dachau concentration camp.
An article about the Julleuchter was published in the German magazine "Germanien" in December 1936. The author argued that this "millennia old" lantern was to be used as "a memento of the "Year of the Great Migrations of the people of the north"". Another article was published in the SS periodical SS-Leitheft Jahrgang 7 Folge 8a. In 1939 the Julleuchter was also mentioned in "Die Gestaltung der Feste im Jahres und Lebenslauf in der SS-Familie"(Celebrations of the SS Family) by Fritz Weitzel.
The information about the 1936 issue of Germanien magazine about the Julleuchter is actually from the later magazine "Der Freiwillige." The article in "Der Freiwillige" reports Germanien magazine being, ..."the official organ of the German ancestor inheritance registered association, Berlin." The information given in that latter article is from Germanien magazine.
A 1936 issue of Germanien magazine claimed that the "millennium old" lantern had been used as a memento of the "Year of the Great Migrations" of the people of the north and as the small light of humanity under the stars of the night sky. When used during the 2 Solstice periods of the year, this is a symbol of the victory of Light over the Darkness, and also as a token of Eternal Circulation. The Julleuchter stands for an inseparable community, its conscience and attitude, and that it was used as a symbol of never ending sunlight. Further, the magazine stated that when the Julleuchter was used during the holiday of Yule (what is now known as The 12 Days of Christmas), twelve candles are used. One is used each night symbolizing the twelve months, until the 31 of December when the "July Moon shines." On that night a thirteenth candle is used for the new coming month of January. The candles always burn below but on the last night, the candle is again transferred upward – this is the sun, which is spilled in order to return to the earth from the gloom of another peace.
This very rarely surviving SS-Julleuchter was considered both an award and trophy of the German Schutzstaffel that was presented to officer's then later to members of the SS, from approximately 1936 until 1944 as a service decoration
Heinrich Himmler originally had the intention to make the Julleuchter a standard gift to all SS members and there were no criteria attached to its presentation. For reasons which are not entirely clear, by the start of World War II, the Julleuchter had begun to be viewed as an SS decoration, and was entered as such in SS service records once the Julleuchter had been presented. However, as the SS-Julleuchter was considered "non-portable" (much like the Luftwaffe Honor Goblet), there was no outward display on an SS uniform indicating its presentation.
Apparently even as the Red Army was advancing and the fall of Berlin was in the foreseeable future, The Julleuchter was used during the decoration French volunteers in the Waffen-SS. One surviving soldier said, "In the light of a candle burning on a Julleuchter, a Jule Candlestick, symbolizing the never dying sunlight, Fenet decorated a number of comrades with the Iron Cross. Although simple, the ceremony that evening seemed all the more extraordinary."
'Christmas in Nazi Germany'
Not only the presents but the whole celebration should be full of surprises for all members of the family. The father lights the candle in the Jul-Leuchter, or 'Jul Earthenware Candlestick', from which the tree candles in turn get their light. ... The Jul-Leuchter, presented by Reichsführer-SS Himmler to the SS Man, is the most important symbol used throughout the year to mark celebrations and commemorations. Its cut-out Heart represents hearth and home, and the Hagal Rune peace through victory. At midnight, when the candles on the Yuletide Tree are burnt down, the SS Man will put the Jul-Leuchter on the table. The Candlestick with its year-long candle has been lit at every family celebration the past year. Its candle has burned down, and it should receive a new one tonight. Just as our ancestors never let the sacred hearth cooking fire extinguish, so our Jul-Leuchter must always have a light. Thus it becomes a symbol of the never dying sunlight. Everyone becomes very thoughtful when the old candle finally burns down and the new one is put in its place. (From "Celebrations of the SS Family" by Fritz Weitzel, 1939).
The Allach factory deposited the Julleuchter design with the Imperial Patent Office in Berlin on 16 January 1936. The Allach Julleuchter was unique in that it was made as presentation piece for SS officers to celebrate the winter solstice. It was later given to all SS members on the same occasion, 21 December. Made of unglazed stoneware, the Julleuchter was decorated with early pagan Germanic symbols.
The lamp has had some old contemporary repairs to cracks in the body. It was originally found in Scandinavia where it has been since during the war.
Photos in the gallery include the letter that accompanied each lamp, a worker in the Allach factory at Dachau working upon a lantern, officially published Christmas postcards from Himmler, and a front cover of Germanien. For information only and not included. read more
A Stunning Original Horseguards Officer's Pattern Helmet Plate. In Gold, Red Enamel Cross, Blue Enamel Garter, And Frosted Silver Cut Steel Order of the Garter Badge Star
Probably the worlds most beautiful helmet plate ever designed.
This fabulous quality officer’s helmet plate, in use since the Queen’s coronation in 1953, was used by an officer of the Queen’s mounted bodyguard, from either the Blues and Royals or the Life Guards regiments, that combined, make up the Royal Horseguards. The helmet plate is identical for both helmets, only the colour of the yak hair plume was different, white for Life Guards, red for Blues and Royals.
The Albert helmet is the current ceremonial headgear of the British Army's Household Cavalry, for both the Life guards regiment and the Blues and Royals regiment, known collectively as Horseguards.
This pattern will now be changed very soon for the design designated for His Majesty King Charles lII. The crown will be changed to the single domed crown of all the kings since Edward VIIth. The domed crown is called either The King’s Crown or the Imperial State Crown. The late Queen’s crown, is known as St Edwards Crown.
The Albert pattern helmet was introduced by Prince Albert in 1842 and adopted by the Household Cavalry the following year. In 1847 the helmet was introduced to all heavy cavalry regiments. It remains in use as the full dress headgear of the two remaining Household Cavalry regiments, the Blues and Royals and the Life Guards. The magnificent helmet remains in use with the two current Household Cavalry regiments, the Blues and Royals with red plume and the Life Guards with white plume. These regiments are amalgamations of the four earlier regiments. The Life Guards retain the white plume and the onion from the 2nd Regiment, the Blues and Royals retain the red plume of the Royal Horse Guards. Blues and Royals officers wear a yak hair plume. Farriers in both regiments wear different plumes, the Life Guards farrier wear black and Blues and Royals farrier red.
The regiments also differ in how they wear the helmet's chin strap. The Blues and Royals wear it under the chin while the Life Guards wear it under the lower lip. The helmet is now in white metal for all ranks and the same helmet plate is worn by both regiments (they were different historically).
The Albert helmet is only worn in full dress review order, guard order and front yard order by other ranks and in full dress, levee dress and ceremonial rehearsal dress by officers. Medical and veterinary officers do not wear the helmet, instead wearing a cocked hat.
The other ranks of the Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry wear the helmet in full dress (with the plumes of their parent regiments), except when parading in the presence of the royal family, when they wear state dress with jockey caps. Band officers wear Albert helmets on both occasions.
Its condition is considered by us as mint. A complete Horseguards officer’s helmet from the 1953 coronation period, in mint condition, will cost today somewhere between £6,500 to £10,000.
Photo in the gallery of royal Horseguards officers and men; Credit MOD read more
950.00 GBP
A Superb Piece Of WW2 Anglo American Aeronautical History, and An Absolute Beauty. An Original, 1940's B3 WW2 USAAF Pilots Sheerling Jacket. Perry Sportswear Co of Newburgh New York Contract. In Super, Wearable Condition
In superbly fully conserved condition, perfectly wearable today.
Good size 40 inch chest
Exactly As Used in WW2 By General George Patton, and the WW2 US Aircrew. pilots, navigators, gunners etc. Type B-3 early American WW2 Contract; No. 33-H-5595 , 43-13612-AF Manufactured by Perry Sportswear Co. Newburgh, New York.
There is no doubt that jacket has seen incredible times, and true historical collectors will absolutely love it with all its amazing character and signs of age. Our last example was certainly not mint, in fact pretty worn, but this example is certainly in very good conserved condition indeed. Perfectly wearable
It we had had it when Steve McQueen visited us in the 60’s, we could likely have named our price. He would simply not have left our shop without it!
Made and issued for the Army Air Forces, from 1933 till 1943. Original examples of these super WW2 Aeronautical gems are so very scarce indeed, and the beauty of them is, they are still superbly wearable, in fact the more aged the better!.
US legend General George Patton wore his favourite B3 during the entire Battle of Bulge campaign {and we show a photo of him wearing it,}. Plus we show a movie still of the legendary Steve McQueen and Bob Wagner in their B3's that they both wore in their iconic WW2 movie during 1962, 'The War Lover'. It was while he was filming in Cambridge that he came down to see us in Brighton to view a vintage car we had for sale.
It was a year later in 1963, he starred in one of the greatest war movies of all time 'the Great Escape', as Captain Virgil Hilts 'The Cooler King'.
A faithful modern very fine quality reproduction copy today can cost more than $4,400, {such as by Mc Coys Manufacturing Co.,new made in Japan} so how much more can you value an early, wartime superb condition original.
Over two million American servicemen passed through Britain during the Second World War. In 1944, at the height of activity, up to half a million were based here with the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF).
The job of the half million British based USAAF officers and servicemen was to man and maintain the vast fleets of aircraft needed to attack German cities & and industry.
Working alongside the Royal Air Force (RAF), their aim was to severely weaken Germany's ability to fight. This was a central part of the Allied strategy for winning the war. American women also served, working for the American Red Cross or as members of the Women's Army Corps.
Over 200 airfields were occupied or newly-built by the USAAF. Each one would house around 2,500 American men many times the population of the nearest village. Thousands more were based at smaller sites. Halls and country houses became headquarters for commanders and planners. Some were converted to hospitals or rest-homes for combat-weary fliers. Barns and outbuildings would house teams of truck drivers and their vehicles. Even specialist bakery units were dotted around the UK, providing fresh bread for the airmen.
No wonder, then, that the Americans' arrival was known as the 'friendly invasion' their impact on British life was huge and they profoundly changed the places they inhabited.
The majority of the Americans left Britain in 1945. They left an enduring legacy and are fondly remembered by those they met. Including, all our six aunts! our mother’s sisters. Hundreds of volunteers across East Anglia still help preserve these memories. They look after memorials in village squares, on corners of former airfields, or at crash sites. They manage museums in former control towers, or preserve precious collections in pubs or farm buildings.
Brighton was home to thousands of US and Canadian servicemen in 1944, billeted at all the hotels on Brighton seafront. Despite much of Brighton being off limits to civilian visitors due to it coastal location. With barbed wire fenced off beaches and the mined sea. And our piers were cut in half so they couldn’t be used as Jerry landing jetty’s.
The B-3 flight jacket, introduced by the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1934, was the standard-issue "heavy zone" garment for WWII bomber crews, designed to withstand temperatures down to
at high altitudes. Made of sheepskin with a thick shearling lining, leather exterior, and large collar, it was essential for survival in unpressurized planes.
Developed for crew members flying in open or unpressurized, high-altitude bombers (up to 25,000 feet) during WWII.
Design & Material: It featured sheepskin with fur (shearling) on the inside and a leather exterior. Unlike the lighter A-2 jacket, it did not have knit cuffs or waistbands, which could freeze; instead, it used leather straps for cinching to retain heat.
Features: A large collar with dual buckled straps enabled it to be secured against the face for maximum protection.
Standardized in 1934, it was inspired by the British Irvin flying jacket. While initially, they were crafted with unfinished white sheepskin, designs evolved, and by 1943, they were frequently made in brown, hand-dyed finishes with horsehide reinforcing stress points.
Usage: It was considered the "ultimate" Cold War-era sheepskin jacket, famously worn by figures like General George Patton. It remained in service until May 1943 before being replaced by newer models.
The B-3 is now a legendary, iconic piece of military history often associated with the"tough-as-nails", image of WWII aviators.
Later zip. read more
1250.00 GBP
Really, Really Rare, Original German 75mm Tank Shell Case, WW2 As Used by the Infamous Panther Tank, Officially the Panzerkampfwagen V Panther. With Impact Fuse, And Electric Tank Primer. Fitted With 75mm Shell Head, High Explosive, WW2 IssueDated 1944
A fabulous display and conversation piece
On 27 February 1944 it was redesignated to just PzKpfw Panther, as Hitler ordered that the Roman numeral "V" be deleted.citation needed In contemporary English-language reports it is sometimes referred to as the "Mark V".
The Panther was intended to counter the Soviet T-34 medium tank and to replace the Panzer III and Panzer IV. Nevertheless, it served alongside the Panzer IV and the heavier Tiger I until the end of the war. The Panther was a compromise. While having essentially the same Maybach V12 petrol (690 hp) engine as the Tiger I, it had better gun penetration, was lighter and faster, and could traverse rough terrain better than the Tiger I. The trade-off was weaker side armour, which made it vulnerable to flanking fire, and a weaker high explosive shell. The Panther proved to be effective in open country and long-range engagements. Although it had excellent firepower, protection and mobility, its reliability was less impressive. The Panther was far cheaper to produce than the Tiger I. Key elements of the Panther design, such as its armour, transmission, and final drive, were simplifications made to improve production rates and address raw material shortages. Despite this, the overall design has still been described by some as "overengineered".
The Panther was rushed into combat at the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 despite numerous unresolved technical problems, leading to high losses due to mechanical failure. Most design flaws were rectified by late 1943 and early 1944, though the bombing of production plants, increasing shortages of high-quality alloys for critical components, shortage of fuel and training space, and the declining quality of crews all impacted the tank's effectiveness. Though officially classified as a medium tank, at 44.8 metric tons the Panther was closer in weight to contemporary foreign heavy tanks. The Panther's weight caused logistical problems, such as an inability to cross certain bridges, otherwise the tank had a very high power-to-weight ratio which made it highly mobile.
The naming of Panther production variants did not, unlike most German tanks, follow alphabetical order: the initial variant, Panther "D" (Ausf. D), was followed by "A" and "G" variants.
The critical detail of the 88mm round was that it didn’t reach the velocity of the 75mm L71 gun on the Panther. The 88mm round weighed 22 pounds, reached 2600 feet per second and could penetrate 83mm of hardened steel at 2000 meters. The 75mm L71 round was 16 pounds, reached 3070 feet per second and could penetrate 89mm of hardened steel at 2000 meters. Both could easily pop the top off any Allied tank out to 1500–2000 meters. But the heavier 88mm round was slower and had a comparative trajectory like the proverbial rainbow. Even though the 75mm gun on the Panther tank fired a lighter shot, it had a flatter trajectory and didn’t overload the already strained Panther drivetrain with the excessive weight of the 88mm piece.
The bottom of the shell case is surface corroded but you can still see the electric primer fitting. The shell head is an original 75mm WW2 German example, but not the original panther type.
37.5 inches high.
Inert, safe and empty. read more
1250.00 GBP
A Most Rare, Original, Reich Marshall Herman Goering Small Propaganda Poster. "Weil wir einig sind, sind wir stark, weil wir stark sind, sind wir frei." ... Hermann Goring, " Because We Are United We Are Strong, Because We Are Strong We Are Free"
In very good condition for age.
Rarely surviving piece from the the pre war Germany.
"Weil wir einig sind, sind wir stark, weil wir stark sind, sind wir frei." ... Hermann Goring,
" Because We Are United We Are Strong, Because We Are Strong We Are Free"
28th of February to 6th March 1938. weekly slogans of the National Socialist German Workers' Party.
Another original copy of it is in the George C Marshall Foundation library During World War II, Marshall as Army Chief of Staff (1939-1945) was the most important military figure in the U.S. military establishment and of great significance in maintaining the Anglo-American coalition. After the war, he was named special ambassador to China (1945-1947), Secretary of State (1947-1949), President of the American Red Cross (1949-1950), and Secretary of Defense (1950-1951). In 1953 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in proposing, encouraging legislative action, and supporting the European Recovery Program (known as the Marshall Plan). For nearly 20 years he was a major U.S. leader, militarily, politically and morally, and he is still widely admired today. read more
245.00 GBP
A Superb, Original, Her Majesty Queen ELizabeth II, Household Division Drum Major's Welsh Guards Bearskin Cap. In Superb Condition, A Post 1953 Coronation Era, Bearskin, For a Member of The Battalion Staff {Gloriously Fluffy}
A fabulous original Household Division bearskin of the Welsh Guards, in stunning condition, with luxurious fur quality. Original Welsh plume of green and white horsehair.
Perfect interior cane frame and complete leather lining with all the tongues in perfect condition. Maker label to the interior.
The Welsh Guards was raised on 26 February 1915 by order of King George V, in order to complete the national complement of regiments of Foot Guards identified with the countries of the United Kingdom.
On inception the Regiment took its place alongside the English Grenadier Guards and Coldstream Guards, the Scots Guards and the Irish Guards. Two days later, the Battalion mounted its first King's Guard at Buckingham Palace on 1 March 1915 - St David's Day.
The title "Drum Major" is an appointment, not an ordinary or regular military rank. The Drum Major is always referred to and addressed as "Drum Major" or "Sir" this is because as a Drum Major of the Household Division, a Royal Warrant is awarded as a “Drummer to the Household” and a member of Battalion Staff.
The insignia of the appointment is four inverted chevrons worn on a wrist-strap whilst in shirt-sleeve order, or four inverted large chevrons worn on the uniform sleeve, surmounted by a drum.
Military Drum Majors utilize a ceremonial mace for giving commands while marching.
A bearskin is a tall fur cap derived from mitre caps worn by grenadier units in the 17th and 18th centuries. Initially worn by only grenadiers, its usage was extended to several other military units in the 19th century. The bearskin cap continued to see use in battle during the mid-19th century, although by the 20th century, it was only used for parade dress. In the 21st century, the bearskin cap is retained by select military units as a prominent element of their ceremonial and full dress uniforms.
The earliest record of a bearskin-like cap being worn by soldiers in Europe was during the mid-17th century, although its widespread adoption did not take place until 1761, when French grenadiers began to wear tall fur caps resembling the Prussian mitre cap. The purpose appears to have been to add to the apparent height and impressive appearance of these troops both on the parade ground and the battlefield.5 These fur caps developed into the colossal bearskin caps worn by the French Imperial Guard. The British Grenadier Guards adopted the headdress after their victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, with other British units and European militaries adopting the headdress in the years after.
The headdress continued to see military service during the mid-19th century, with British foot guards and the Royal Scots Greys wearing bearskins in battle during the Crimean War.6 However, by the mid-19th century, the expense of acquiring bearskin caps and the difficulty in maintaining them in good condition led to some military units limiting the use of the headdress for specific occasions. Some units, like the Italian 1st Regiment "Granatieri di Sardegna", eventually discontinued the use of the headgear altogether during that century.
The British Army continued to use the headdress during peacetime manoeuvres until the introduction of khaki service dress in 1902. Immediately before the outbreak of World War I in 1914, bearskins were still worn by several British, Belgian, Danish, German, Russian, and Swedish units as a part of their ceremonial/parade dress. Several units that retired the use of the headdress during the 19th century, including units in Italy and the Netherlands, also readopted it for ceremonial use during the 20th century
Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, as Britain’s oldest established, and favourite, armoury and gallery read more
950.00 GBP
Very Fine 1889 Pattern Regimental Officer's Sword WW1 Imperial Prussian Eagle Guard With Crest of Kaiser Willhelm IInd. Surrendered on the 4th of May 1945. A Few Hours Before The Official Instrument Of Surrender Was Signed at 18.30 Hours
Surrendered by a veteran staff officer of Generalmajor Hans Kienast, at the surrender to Field Marshal Montgomery of the German armed forces in 1945.
However, most regrettably, there was no written record kept of the name of the colonel that surrendered it. If this had been recorded, this sword could have been priced at ten times its current value, or even higher. But, it does mean, as such, it is incredibly affordable. This surrender was a precursor to the final unconditional surrender of all German forces (V-E Day) on May 8, 1945.
Overall the sword is in excellent condition, with its original multi wire bound sharkskin grip fully original and intact. Bronze guard, with the personal monogram of the Kaiser upon the grip, and guard depicting the Imperial Prussian Eagle, pieced and in relief. Double fullered blade and it’s original all steel combat scabbard. The blade bears the Kaiser Wilhelmi W Crown proof inspection mark.
1889 Pattern Prussian Officers sword with cast Eagle guard, multi wire bound sharkskin grip, excellent condition double fullered blade and black lacquered steel combat scabbard. Kaiser Willhelm Crest to grip.
Many of these swords were also used in the 3rd Reich by veteran officers serving in WW2 after their service in WW1, as was this great example.
Numerous Vintage photographs of WW2 German Officers show them wearing this pattern of sword, including one in the gallery of Generalleutnant Hans von Donat with his identical sword.
This sword was taken at the official event of the German high command requesting surrender terms to Montgomery at 2nd army HQ on May 3rd, all of the participants were disarmed, unfortunately it is not known from whom this sword was taken.
See our original official photograph from this special and monumentally important historical event, taken on the 3rd of May 1945. It is of Field Marshal Montgomery, Admiral von Friedeburg, General Kinzel and Rear Admiral Wagner plus aides .The unconditional surrender was not ‘officially signed until a few days later as Stalin insisted his generals must be present. Overall this sword is in excellent condition.
Field Marshal Montgomery greeted for the surrender the German delegation (Admiral von Friedeburg, General Kinzel and Rear Admiral Wagner).
The images were taken by the British Army Film and Photographic Unit.
Field Marshal Montgomery signed the terms of the surrender watched by Rear Admiral Wagner and Admiral von Friedeburg.
On 4 May 1945, at 18:30 British Double Summer Time, at Lüneburg Heath, south of Hamburg, Field Marshal Sir Bernard Law Montgomery accepted the unconditional surrender of the German forces in the Netherlands, northwest Germany including all islands, in Denmark and all naval ships in those areas. The surrender preceded the end of World War II in Europe and was signed in a carpeted tent at Montgomery's headquarters on the Timeloberg hill at Wendisch Evern. Lüneburg had been captured by the British forces on 18 April 1945 with Montgomery establishing his headquarters at a villa in the village of Häcklingen. A German delegation arrived at his tactical headquarters on the Timeloberg hill by car on 3 May, having been sent by Großadmiral Karl Dönitz who had been nominated President and Supreme Commander of the German armed forces by Adolf Hitler in his last will and testament on 29 April. Dönitz was aware of the allied occupation zones intended for Germany from a plan that had fallen into German hands. He therefore hoped that protracted partial and local surrender negotiations might buy time for troops and refugees in the east to seek refuge from the Red Army, whilst holding open a pocket to provide sanctuary on the west bank of the River Elbe.
Dönitz did not think it appropriate to negotiate personally with a field marshal as he had become the head of state following the death of Adolf Hitler. He therefore sent the delegation headed by the new Commander-in-Chief of the German navy Admiral Hans-Georg von Friedeburg. Montgomery refused an initial offer to surrender Army Group Vistula which was being cut off to the east by the Red Army and demanded the unconditional surrender of all forces on his northern and western flanks. The Germans stated that they did not have the authority to accept Montgomery's terms. However they agreed to return to their headquarters to obtain permission from Dönitz.
The German officers returned the next day at 18:00 with an additional delegate, (Colonel Fritz Poleck) representing the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht, (the German armed forces high command). Von Friedeburg was ushered into Montgomery's command caravan for confirmation that they were ready to sign. For the surrender ceremony Montgomery sat at the head of a table with an army blanket draped over it and two BBC microphones in front of him; he called on each delegate in turn to sign the instrument of surrender document at 18.30. The surrender ceremony was filmed by the British Pathé News and recorded for broadcast on radio by the BBC with a commentary by the Australian war correspondent Chester Wilmot. The intimate detail of document translation and conversation interpretation was supervised by one of Montgomery's senior intelligence officers Colonel James Oliver Ewart.
We acquired it from the same family of the WW2 photographer, that had another German sword, surrendered at the same surrender signing, four years ago.
Photo shown in the gallery, that we once had, taken at time of the surrender of this sword, with Field Marshal Montgomery in May 1945 read more
850.00 GBP
Scarce Original Silver Medal for Graf Zeppelin's Launch of the German Airship LZ127 "Graf Zeppelin"
Weimar Republic. Graf Zeppelin launch silver Specimen Medal 1928 SP65 Matte PCGS, Kienast-408. By Karl Goetz. 36mm. TAUFE DES Z127 AM 90. Geburtstag / 8. JULI 1928. Bust facing slightly right, wearing suit / GLÜCK AB GRAF ZEPPELIN. Coat of arms of the noble lineage of Zeppelin, flanked by a boy to left and girl to right each playing with a balloon; in background, zeppelin. On the christening of the airship LZ127 "Graf Zeppelin" on the 90th birthday of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin (1838-1917). Germany Karl Goetz 1928 Graf Zeppelin silver medal; Kienast reference 408. Nicely toned matte finish with original patina; rare this nice Rare Karl Goetz German airship medal struck in 1928 to mark the christening of the famous airship Graf Zeppelin (D-LZ127), as well as Graf Zeppelin’s birthday; Kienast reference 408. An excellent finish specimen with original light-gray with golden overtones patina; a scarce type. The medal is about 36 mm in diameter; the rim is stamped BAYER HAUPTMUNZAMT FEINSILBER (Bavarian State Mint Fine Silver in German). Early Zeppelin medals are very collectible and highly thought-after by many collectors. A scarce “airship type” medal by the famous German medallist in excellent overall condition; LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin (Deutsches Luftschiff Zeppelin 127) was a German passenger-carrying, hydrogen-filled rigid airship that flew from 1928 to 1937. It offered the first commercial transatlantic passenger flight service. Named after the German airship pioneer Ferdinand von Zeppelin, a count (Graf) in the German nobility, it was conceived and operated by Dr Hugo Eckener, the chairman of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin.
Graf Zeppelin made 590 flights totalling almost 1.7 million kilometres (over 1 million miles). It was operated by a crew of 36, and could carry 24 passengers. It was the longest and largest airship in the world when it was built. It made the first circumnavigation of the world by airship, and the first nonstop crossing of the Pacific Ocean by air; its range was enhanced by its use of Blau gas as a fuel. It was built using funds raised by public subscription and from the German government, and its operating costs were offset by the sale of special postage stamps to collectors, the support of the newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, and cargo and passenger receipts.
After several long flights between 1928 and 1932, including one to the Arctic, Graf Zeppelin provided a commercial passenger and mail service between Germany and Brazil for five years. When the Nazi Party came to power, they used it as a propaganda tool. It was withdrawn from service after the Hindenburg disaster in 1937, and scrapped for military aircraft production in 1940. read more
685.00 GBP