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DUDLEY RUSSELL HOWITT; a George VI hallmarked silver 'The Howitt' lighter, with engine turned decoration, Sheffield 1946, 6 x 3cm, and a Russian 84 grade silver pipe, length 12cm, combined gross weight approx 2.45ozt/77g (2).

A collection of six books relating to Fabergé, including 'Carl Fabergé' by A Kenneth Snowman, signed on a piece of paper enclosed in the book, in original slipcase, 'Carl Fabergé: Goldsmith to the Imperial Court of Russia' by A Kenneth Snowman, 'The Art of Carl Fabergé' by A Kenneth Snowman, 'Peter Carl Fabergé: His Life and Works' by Henry Charles Bainbridge, a further of copy of 'Carl Fabergé: Goldsmith to the Imperial Court of Russia' by A Kenneth Snowman etc, also 'Georg Jensen Silver & Design' by Thomas C Thulsturp, 'Art Nouveau Jewellery & Fans', a further book on jewellery, 'Russian Decorative Arts' by Cynthia Coleman Sparke and two further books (11).

A collection of silver items comprising seven teaspoons, marks rubbed, 18th century, a medicine type spoon, marks rubbed, early 19th century, a Continental Rococo teaspoon, a sugar sifter, with a shell form bowl, French, a similar French sifter, with a gilt bowl, two pickle forks, one by Cooper Brothers & Sons Ltd, a French silver teaspoon, a Russian silver teaspoon, and a a set of Russian silver spoons, each with a chased bowl, and a a silver plated oyster fork, (qty.)total 13.9oztCondition ReportKnocks, wear, and rubbing throughout.

A group of five Russian silver yad or Torah pointers, late 19th century, to incude paste set examples,longest 40.5cm 10.8ozt (5)Condition ReportKnocks, wear, scuffs, and rubbing throughout.

A collection of Russian silver items comprising a cigarette case, 84 Moscow Kokoshnik mark, with reeded decoration, 11.5 x 7.8cm, a besamim tower, probably Russian, the top decorated with a Star of David, 7.9cm high, a silver cup holder, late 19th to early 20th century, with chased decoration, 9.2cm high, and a Niello work buckle, 5.5cm long, 11ozt (4)Condition ReportAll with knocks, scuffs, and wear throughout. Besamim tower with several dents and minor losses.

An assortment of silver boxes, cases and vespas comprising a silver cigarette box, by Walker & Hall, Sheffield 1917, 25cm wide, a silver hinged box, by WE, London 1809, a simialar larger example, probably the same maker 1811, 8cm wide, a silver card case, by Robert Thornton, Birmingham 1891, 7cm wide, with profusely engraved body, a regiment pressure opening snuff box, two ebossed examples and Russian silver and cloisonne hinged box, 84 standard, (qty.) 19oztCondition ReportDents, knocks, losses throughout.

A collection of silver items to include a pedestal sugar bowl and cover, Birmingham 1925, with a weighted base, 10.5cm high, a pierced silver bowl, by Deakin & Frances, 11.1cm diameter, a pair of ice tongs, stamped 900, 18cm long, two caddy spoons, a Continental teaspoon, the bowl embossed with a cow, a Russian silver salt, a pair of Continental sugar tongs, a sugar caster top, a silver toddy ladle, a silver mustard pot and an associated stand, and two silver toast racks, the larger by William Hutton & Sons Ltd, (qty.)weighable 16.7oztCondition ReportKnocks, wear, dents, and rubbing throughout.

RUSSIA. Nicholas I. Silver Medal, 1828. Proof. Commemorating the capture of Varna by Russian troops in 1828 during the Russo-Turkish War (1828 - 1829). H. Gube. Obv: NICOLAUS I TOTIUS RUSSIAE IMPERATOR, bare head right. Rev: inscription in six lines; "VARNA A RVSSORVM FORTISS. EXERCITV CAPTA D. XI OCTOBR. MDCCCXXVIII", within laurel wreath. Edge smooth.Reference: Dyakov-471.1 (R1), CRM-358; Reichel-3499.Rarity: Rare.Diameter: 39 mm.Weight: 19.22 g.Composition: Silver.PLEASE NOTE: A 22.50% buyer's premium will be charged separately. VAT on the buyer's premium may apply in accordance with UK regulations. Additional 6% fee charged on the Saleroom. Payment can be made in EUR, CHF, or USD for an exchange fee. Please contact us to find out more.

AN IMPORTANT LATE 19TH CENTURY PAIR OF AMETHYST AND DIAMOND PENDENT EARRINGSOf girandole design, each set with three pear-shaped amethyst drops, to the old-cut diamond foliate motif and circular-cut amethyst and old-cut diamond cluster surmount, mounted in silver and gold, with partial Russian assay mark ?'56', amethysts approximately 35.00cts total, diamonds approximately 3.30cts total, length 4.9cmA historical pair from the 18th century, of similar design, was sold at Christie's in Geneva, 13.11.2007, lot 269.Amethysts have been treasured for centuries, revered by ancient cultures from Greece to medieval Europe. The name comes from the Greek amethysts, meaning “not intoxicated,” reflecting the belief that the stone could ward off drunkenness and promote mental clarity. Symbolising wisdom, royalty, and spiritual protection, amethysts were worn by bishops and monarchs, were valued for their beauty and their perceived ability to calm the mind and strengthen resolve. Among the most coveted are Siberian amethysts, famed for their rich, velvety purple hue often accented with flashes of red and blue. Mined from Russia’s Ural Mountains since the 18th century, these stones quickly became the gold standard of amethyst quality. Though production from the region has declined, Siberian amethysts remain highly prized for their depth of colour and exceptional clarity, often commanding premium prices on the market. Today, amethysts are sourced from regions including Brazil, Zambia, Uruguay, and Madagascar, each offering distinct characteristics. Brazilian stones are typically lighter with a clear, violet hue, while Zambian amethysts are darker, often with a bluish tint. Uruguayan gems stand out for their vivid saturation and purity. Yet among them all, Siberian amethysts remain the most prized, distinguished by their intensity and historical provenance. Siberian amethysts were favoured by the Russian nobility, with figures like Empress Catherine the Great adorning themselves in amethyst-laden jewels. In modern times, the stone continues to make public appearances. Queen Elizabeth II famously wore amethyst pieces from the Kent Amethyst Suite, while Lupita Nyong’o stunned at the 2015 Golden Globe Awards in Chopard amethyst earrings.Siberian amethysts have achieved remarkable results at auction, reflecting their rarity and historic value. A Victorian amethyst and diamond necklace from the 19th century sold at Christie’s London for over £75,000, far exceeding its estimate. Similarly, pieces from Queen Alexandra’s collection have also surfaced in royal exhibitions and private sales, often valued in the six-figure range, underscoring the enduring prestige of these exceptional gems. The Romanov dynasty ruled Russia from 1613 until 1917, when the Revolution abruptly ended their empire. The last years of the 19th and the early 20th century was a period of elegance and excess for the Tsars and the wealthy families of Russia. The Imperial family’s jewellery was amongst the most precious in the world. These jewels were tangible symbols of the power of the Romanovs and their deep ties to European aristocracy and culture and were once the epitome of Russian opulence.  After the Bolshevik Revolution, the fate of these precious treasures would become one of the most captivating chapters in the story of the Russian Empire’s fall. The Bolsheviks, in their sweeping promises of equality, claimed that the jewels once hoarded by the aristocracy would be used for the benefit of the people. “Diamonds, pearls, and precious stones that have cost workers endless suffering for centuries are now in safe hands. The proletariat will be able to use them wisely,” they boasted in the 1920s. Yet, while the Soviet government officially denied any sale of the Romanov collection, they could not entirely escape the growing rumours that began circulating in the West. In response to these whispers, the Bolsheviks organised a lavish exhibition of the Russian Crown Jewels in Moscow on December 18, 1925, to counter the belief that the revolution had torn apart the cultural and material legacy of Russia’s royal family. But less than a year later, the treasures were quietly sold, and the secrets of their dispersal would only emerge later. In a remarkable twist of history, American antiquarian Norman Weiss acquired a substantial portion of the Crown Jewels exhibition in 1926, purchasing 9 kilograms of imperial treasures for $50,000. Among the pieces were two pairs of magnificent 18th-century girandole earrings, a quintessential example of Russian royal jewellery, that soon entered the international market. One of these pairs, set with vibrant Ural amethysts, is famously associated with Empress Catherine the Great. The earrings are prominently featured in a portrait of the young Catherine, then still a Tsarevna and Grand Duchess, long before she assumed the throne. Though not yet immersed in imperial luxury, the gift, commissioned by Empress Elizabeth Petrovna from her court jeweller, Jérémie Pauzié, already reflected the grandeur of the 18th-century Russian court. Crafted by Pauzié, renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and his intricate, heavy designs, the earrings became a significant part of Catherine’s early life. When time came for Cathrine’s coronation, the soon-to-be crowned empress entrusted Pauzié with the creation of the Imperial Crown of Russia. The jeweller collaborated closely with the court’s most skilled artisans, and together, they fashioned the exquisite crown, adorned with nearly 5,000 diamonds and 75 large pearls, a feat that has since become an iconic piece of Russian history. After the earrings were sold to Weiss, they resurfaced in 1929 when JS Phillips purchased them at Christie’s London for 135 pounds. Decades later, in 2007, they appeared again at Christie’s in Geneva, fetching 433,000 Swiss francs and reaffirming the enduring allure of Russian imperial jewellery. The sale of the Romanov jewels remains a poignant and fascinating story, illustrating the complex intersection of revolution, power, and history. These jewels, symbols of a vanished world, continue to captivate collectors, historians, and admirers offering a glimpse into the opulence of the Russian Empire before its collapse.  Condition Report: Amethysts:3 PS each approx. 6.43cts, 4.57cts & 4.18cts & 1 RD 2.12cts3 PS each approx. 6.57cts, 4.35cts & 4.40cts & 1 RD 2.11ctsPS: Of purple hue, medium to dark tone, good transparency, facets are smooth, well matched in colourRD: Of purple hue, medium tone, good transparency, one slightly darker than the other oneDiamonds: approx. 3.30cts total, bright and livelyWith partial Russian assay mark ? '56' on each back earrings, one posts slightly looser when opening itFor pierced earsNormal signs of wear, commensurate with age, overall in good conditionTotal gross weight approx. 22.6g

An icon of the Miracle of George about the Serpent, 19th century, Russian, probably Arkhangelsk, pigment on panel with a silver-plated oklad, 72 x 65cmCondition ReportDents, tarnish and knocks to the oklad. Age and degradation to the wood.

A Russian silver coin 2004, three ruble coin 1994, Solomon Islands twenty five dollars 2003, commemorating Concorde, Victorian and later silver and and copper coinage.

VESELOVSKII, N.I., A SHCHUSEV, P. POKRYSHKIN & A. MINENKO, (artists). Mecheti Samarkanda/Les Mosquées de Samarcande. Publ. p. la Commission Imperiale Archéologique. Fasc. I: Gour-Emir. (=all publ.). St. Petersburg, 1905. IX pp. (dedic. leaf, title, text and table). Text in French and Russian. W. 18 (chromo)lithogr. plates (12 cold.). Lge-fol. In ohcl. portfol. With custom-made wooden box. (Portfol. stained, front and back cover of or. grey wrappers present, lower margin of all lvs./plates a bit waterstained).NOTE: This, the first and only volume in the series, is devoted to the Gur-e-Amir ("Tomb of the King") mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Begun in 1405, it is the fabled mausoleum of the conqueror Timur or Tamerlane and his sons and grandsons. Although only the foundations of the madrasah and khanaka, the entrance portal and part of one of four minarets still remain, it is still considered one of the masterpieces of Persian architecture. The cost of producing this lavish volume was so enormous that the Imperial Architectural Commission was unable to issue a second one. The delicacy and clarity of the chromolithographs, based on paintings made on site by the three artists, make it one of the most exquisitely printed and desirable Russian books of the Silver Age.

GB & World Coins, Queen Victoria Silver Threepences, 1889, 1891, 1895, 1897, Silver Sixpence no date visible, George V Silver Sixpence 1906, 1916, 1917 x2, 1918, 1925, 1935, 1940 x2, Sixpence 1946, George III 1806 Half Pence x2, Irish 1805 Half Pence, Queen Victoria 1875, 1890 x2, 1901 Farthings, 1844 Penny, 1911 and later Farthings etc. World Coins include 1941 USA Silver One Dime, Russian Empire 1900 Silver 15 Kopeks , Croatian Banknotes, 200 x2, 50, 10 x2 Kuna etc

World Coins, 1973-1989 Russian Coins in plastic packet and loose, GB Silver Shillings, 1922, 1936, 1937 & 1942, US Silver One Dime 1947, New Zealand 1949 One Florin etc, many coins along with seven used World Banknotes

Three silver Russian key rings.

A Victorian silver sugar shaker, four silver napkin rings and a silver plate napkin ring The sugar shaker hallmarked London, 1897. The napkin rings with French and Russian marks Total silver weight: Approximately 387.1 grams

A set of six Russian silver-gilt and cloisonné enamel spoons in their original box. The fig-shaped bowls decorated with bright multi-coloured enamels on a matt background enclosed by white beaded borders, twisted stem with multi-coloured enamel terminals, stamped 84, cyrillic mark CM, approx 134.6 gms.  Carl Morgenroth (

A 1960s-1970s Soviet Russian Sekonda day-date wristwatch, having a 27-jewel automatic movement and radially-brushed silver face with gilt Arabic 5 seconds/minutes plaque markers, gilt pellet hours marker, baton hands and centre-sweep seconds hand, in a radially-milled gilt tonneau case with bracelet strap, boxed with instruction leaflet, 37 mm, (running when catalogued, accuracy and reliability not tested)

A pair of Russian silver and enamel eggcups, decorated flowers, the tallest 6.5 cm high (2)4.0 ozt (all in)

A Russian silver coloured metal egg, with engraved decoration, opening and screwing together to make a goblet, the goblet 11 cm high, and the egg also 11 cm high

A 19th century Russian silver tea glass, in the form of a dragon, with a glass liner, 12.9 ozt, 11 cm high

A Russian silver gilt tazza, with engraved decoration, 12.6 ozt, 22 cm dimeter10 cm high

A Russian silver snuff box, with gilt decoration, 1881, 7.5 cm wide

A Russian silver and niello work scent bottle, compressed baluster form, with scroll decoration and lettering, screw-off cover, with a chain and circular belt clip, length 5.3cm, approx. weight 0.7oz.

An 18th century Russian silver vodka cup, marks partially worn maker's mark TL?, Moscow, circular form with part fluted and engraved foliate decoration, scroll handle, diameter 5.2cm, approx. weight 1oz.

An Edwardian silver inkwell and stamp compartment,by George Betjemann & Sons, London 1904, plain rectangular-shaped form, stamp compartment to the underside of the hinged front, glass liner to the inkwell, plus a Russian silver-mounted glass inkwell and stamp box, maker's mark AOM, Moscow circa 1915, length 10.8cm. (2)Provenance: A Private Collection (Part II)

A mixed lot of flatware, comprising: a cased pair of George III silver spoons with later berry decoration by David Marshall, Edinburgh circa 1784, two dessert forks, a Dutch serving spoon, a Russian silver-gilt and enamel spoon, a set of four Dutch teaspoons, a cased cake slice, a two pronged condiment fork and a teaspoons and dessert spoon with Highland terrier terminals, total approx. weighable 14.3oz. (14)

A collection of four Russian silver and silver-gilt spout hanging tea strainers, comprising: three of bucket form, one with engraved decoration and one with engine-turned decoration, and one of circular form, beaded border, all with spout clips, weight 2.8oz. (4)Provenance: A Private Collection.

A mixed lot of small silver items,comprising: a Russian ruler, the centre with a boar's head, later inscribed, plus three cigarette cases, (one set with two coins), a Dutch box, a fluted oval box, London 1902, a trinket box, a swizzle stick and a 9 carat gold swizzle stick, approx. weighable 16oz, approx. weight of gold 4.7g. (qty)

A collection of antique silver desk blotters/stamp holders,comprising: one by Levi & Salaman, Birmingham 1890, rectangular fluted form, a Russian one with maker's mark AK possibly for Aleksandr Karpov, St Petersburg circa 1905, length 16cm, a Maltese one with maker's mark CG, plus an unmarked silver handled roller blotter. (4)Provenance: A Private Collection (Part II)

A 9ct tri-colour gold Russian wedding band, together with a large collection of silver and costume jewellery, including a ornate silver and turquoise bird brooch, a base metal seed pearl bangle, a rolled gold heart locket, assorted pearl necklaces, brooches, rings, along with loose gemstones and crystals.9ct wedding band; 3.4 grams

A group of four Medieval hammered silver coins, c.1028, and a Henry III half cut long cross penny, c.1247, two small unknown hammered silver coins / tokens, an Indian silver Habbarid coins c.850-975CE, and a Medieval hammered Russian Kopeck. (9)

RUSSIAN SILVER CADDY SPOON with silver gilt bowl, Russian HM, 10.5cm,; together with another silver caddy spoon with foliate decorated finial, 54 grams total

RUSSIAN SILVER a plain oval lidded tea caddy, 9cm height, marked Wiberg to base with an 84 mark, 205 grams in total

A Russian Caucasian Silver Niello Belt with Buckle.An ornate silver belt composed of interlinked panels adorned in the niello technique, each segment intricately decorated with scrolling floral motifs in dark enamel against a silver ground. The central pointed buckle plate is slightly raised and features a bold floral boss, complemented by similar bosses on adjacent panels. The belt is mounted on a soft tan leather backing, with cross-shaped silver mounts securing the structure from the reverse. L: Approximately 85cm340g (incl. leather)Provenance: Private collection from a distinguished W London collector.

TWO SILVER-MOUNTED CIGAR AND CIGARETTE BOXES MADE FROM WOOD RECOVERED FROM THE S.S. FUKUI MARU (EX-ABERGELDIE, 1882), AFTER SHE WAS SUNK AS A BLOCKSHIP AT PORT ARTHUR DURING THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR OF 1904the lids with inset dual-language inscriptions in English and Japanese reading Made of wood belonging to the S.S. / "Fukui Maru", sunk to block the entrance / of Port Arthur on the 27th March 1904 by / the hero Hirose who was killed after / having achieved his gallant deed, silver edging with decorative shaped corners and push-button catch, the largest -- 4½ x 8½ x 5¾in. (11.5 x 21.5 x 14.5cm.); together with another, similar, made of wood from H.M.S. Victor Emmanuel of Hong Kong 1874-1898(3)Lt. Cmdr. Hirose Takeo (1868-1904) was a Japanese naval officer who is best known for his heroic death during the opening stages of the Russo-Japanese War in 1904. On 27th March that year a Japanese naval force surprised the Russian Fleet at anchor in Port Arthur. Takeo, serving aboard the battleship Asahi volunteered to command the aging merchantman Fukui Maru and sink it as a blockship in the harbour entrance. In the event he was sunk by shore batteries before he could attain his objective. The Fukui Maru blew up and, although seriously wounded, Takeo refused to abandon his post and continued to direct his men to safety, dying before he could escape. He soon became a national hero being posthumously promoted to commander and deified as a ‘military god’.

A LARGE RUSSIAN SILVER-GILT AND CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL CEREMONIAL KOVSH BY GRACHEV BROTHERS, ST PETERSBURG, CIRCA 1892decorated with flowers, figures and mythical beasts, stamped under base with maker's and Imperial Warrant marks, flat handle stamped for '88' Standard on the underside with raised silver plaque monogrammed 'MAR' supported by a scaly dragon neck, contained within plush-lined fitted case of issue with makers emblem inside lid and brass drop handles, the kovsh -- 15in. (38cm.) wide; 1640g.; the case -- 9 x 17½ x 10in. (23 x 44.5 x 25.5cm.)The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights, presented in 1972 by C.H. Roberts, Liveryman. The Grachev Brothers (founded 1866), close contemporaries Carl Fabergé, renowned silversmiths from St. Petersburg, Russia, gained recognition for their exceptional craftsmanship in the field of metalworking. Specialising in silver, they created intricate, finely detailed pieces that showcased both artistic elegance and technical precision. Their works, ranging from ornate jewellery to elegant tableware, were highly sought after and praised for their refinement. In 1892 they were granted the title of Imperial Court Supplier and allowed to use the Imperial Warrant as part of their hallmark, as seen on this lot. Their pieces are found in private collections worldwide, including the British Royal Collection. The firm closed in 1918.

Russian niello silver snuff box, the lid and base with town scenes, dated 1860, 7.5cm across.

Set of six Russian silver tablespoons (84 standard mark), 1837, with initials A.T. and M.T., 13oz t

Russian silver tea strainer, two spoons and a fork

Three sets of miscellaneous cutlery, including set of six 20th century Soviet Russian silver gilt spoons, with tear drop bowls and twisted stems, together with a pair of silver plated sugar tongs, in a spurious case, a pair of silver plated, Albany pattern, butter knives, in a fitted case and cased set of six silver Hanoverian pattern, coffee spoons (Sheffield 1938) Mappin & Webb. Approximately 5ozs weighable silver.

Vintage silver, set of 4 Soviet Russian silver vodka shot cups in their silver carrying case, each item stamped 916 along with soviet star mark,approximately 144.16g, and an English silver toped glass vanity pot

Antique Russian silver teaspoons (MK 1887) Mathias Kilpelainen St Petersburg in plush fitted case Total weight 250g

Two circular silver dishes; a small silver trophy cup; a silver spoon and a silver napkin ring, approx. total weight 175gms; a gold plated pocket watch AF; a Russian lacquered box; a pair of mother of pearl opera glasses; for silver plated napkin rings; bead necklaces; a Parker fountain pen; a Camos wrist watch; a miniature Royal Worcester mug AF; Royal Crown Derby heart shaped dish etc.

Three silver spoons including a George III caddy spoon, John Bettridge, Birmingham, 1817(a.f.), 81mm, a Russian 84 zolotnik spoon and a Georgian Scottish toddy ladle. Condition - poor to fair

A cased set of twelve Russian silver-gilt and enamel coffee spoons, c. 1900, 84 Zolotnik mark, the handles and reverse of the bowls decorated in red and white enamel, in a fitted oak case. Length of each 10.75cm, 4.8 troy ounces.

Set of 6 Russian silver gilt coffee spoons, each modelled as an arrow and with a floral picture back bowl, L.11cm; another similar spoon and 3 similar forks, L.13.5cm the largest; another fork and spoon, all marked "84"; pair of filigree sugar tongs with Serbian Peter I 50 Para coin bowls, Chinese white metal spoon, 110grs; 2 mother-of-pearl spoons, Chinese game counter, and 4 other items. (21)

A Russian silver cigarette case, 106g

A Russian silver and enamel buckle, 40g

Seven sterling silver earrings set with pink moonstone, 5.75ct, 4.25ct Russian Diopside, 9.5ct Mojave purple Turquoise, fire opal, 2.00ct citrine and Chaorite

Militaria - - 1. Torpedoboots-Halbflottille 1928-30. Sammlung von 98 (von 100) Photographien von der Ausbildung bis zur Spanienfahrt. Bromsilbergelatineabzüge. Format je ca. 9 x 14 cm. Mont. in Album d. Zt. Quer-8°. Lwd. mit Kordelbindung u. goldgepr. DTitel (fleckig, beschabt). Die im Vordruckalbum typogr. bezeichneten Aufnahmen zeigen u.a.: Offiziere, Unterstab, Besatzung T 190, T 153, T 155, T 196, Torpedo, Werftliegezeit, Schwedenfähre, Artillerieschießen, das neue Führerboot, Rügen, russ. Schiff in Swinemünde, Bremen, Vigo, Santiago, Santander, span. Händler. - Die Aufnahmen von der Besatzung T 185 u. der G 10 fehlen. - Tls. in den Rändern gering ausgesilbert, insgesamt gut erhalten. 1st Torpedo Boat Half Flotilla 1928-30. Collection of 98 (of 100) photographs from training to the Spanish voyage. Silver bromide gelatin prints. Mounted in contemp. album. - Cloth with cord binding and gilt stamped title (stained, chafed). - The photographs, typographically inscribed in the pre-printed album, show i.a.: Officers, crew T 190, T 153, T 155, T 196, torpedo, shipyard laytime, Sweden ferry, artillery shooting, Rügen, Russian ship in Swinemünde, Bremen, Vigo, Santiago, Santander, Spanish merchants. - The photos of the crew T 185 and the G 10 are missing. - Some occ. minor silvering in the margins, overall well preserved.

A 20thc Russian silver plated Samovar with twin handles, four scroll feet and complete with pierced heart top and base (h. 51cm) together with silver plated key-shaped tray (l. 44cm)

A sterling silver and enamel Masonic 33rd Degree brooch, 45mm, with a pair of silver enamel and marcasite clip on earrings, and a Russian silver gild, enamel and red paste egg shaped pendant, 20mm, 24g

Assorted items including, Battle of Britain paperweight and plate, slide and folding rule, Russian carved wooden bear, silver-plated entree dish, etc

An Arts and Crafts style Russian silver Baltic amber drop brooch, height 50mm, 8.6g . Condition Report: 2 drops have been broken and re-glued, general wear to high points, fitting working

An Edwardian 1907 Charles Horner arts nouveau brooch, a pair of J. A. & S silver & enamel cufflinks. a 1969 London silver Fred Manshaw avantgarde brooch & a Russian silver Karl Marx tie pin, 26.1g

Vintage Stamped .875 Russian Silver Enamel Detailed Pickle Fork & Spoon (20g) 2331553

The rare and superb 'Operation Grapeshot' M.B.E., 'Monte Rogno' Virtuti Militi, 'Monte Cassino' Cross of Valor group of nine awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel T. Lipowski, 9th Heavy Artillery Regiment, Polish Army, whose remarkable life story includes a tragic episode during the Fall of Poland which saw him narrowly escape the fate of two of his comrades, who were arrested and murdered during the Katyn MassacreReturning to active service his extreme bravery attached to the 5th (Kresowa) Division in Italy saw him honoured on several occasions and even wounded during the Battle of Monte Cassino, being hit by shrapnel that had already passed through the lung of a brother Officer who stood besidePoland, Republic, Order of Virtuti Militari, breast Badge, 5th Class, silver and enamel, of wartime manufacture by Spink; Cross of Valor, with Second Award Bar; Cross of Merit, with swords, 2nd Type, silver-gilt; Army Medal; Monte Cassino Cross 1944, the reverse officially numbered '33078'; United Kingdom, The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd Type, Military Division, Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Italy, Kingdom, Croce al Valore Militare, sold together with an archive including a named cigarette case, portrait and photograph album and the named document of issue for the award of the M.B.E., overall good very fine (9)Virtuti Militari awarded 30 June 1944, the original citation (translated) states:'During the operations 'Adriatyk', he distinguished himself by working in difficult conditions under strong and accurate enemy fire, especially at the Observation Point on Monte Regano. He cooperated perfectly with the infantry, conducting accurate and effective fire, not breaking off observation despite the fire. With his behaviour, he set an exemplary example for officers and privates at the Observation Points, as always. He fully deserves the decoration.'Cross of Valor awarded 6 August 1944, the original citation (translated) states:'At Cassino he organized an Observation Point and stayed there. On May 10-12, 1944, despite heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire, he remained at the Observation Point and continued his work. On May 12, 1944, despite heavy fire, he left the Observation Point to get better information and moved forward. He was wounded, but he did not want to stop his work.'Second Award Bar awarded 1945.M.B.E. London Gazette June 1945, the original recommendation states:'During the period 9th -21st April 1945, this officer worked with the maximum devotion as B.M., F.A. 5th Kresowa Division Artillery, which was in support of the Infantry in their operations against lines of Rivers Senio, Santerno, Sillaro, Gaina and Idice. Major Lipowski made a particularly great effort and showed special dexterity on 19th April and night 19th/20th, when Headquarters 5th Kresowa Division was faced with the task of co-ordinating the fire plans not only of the Divisions Artillery but also Artillery under command of the neighbouring RAK Force (Reinforced 2 Polish Armoured Brigade with 2 British Royal Horse Artillery and 3 Polish Field Regiment in SP). Rud Force (3rd and 4th Polish Infantry Brigades supported by 5th Polish Field Regiment and 7PHA) and AGPA.Major Lipowski's skillful [SIC] Staff work at HQ 5th Kresowa Division Artillery on 19th April and night 19th/20th resulted in the rapid working out and co-ordination of the Artillery fire plans which effectively helped the Infantry and assisted the Armour in breaking down enemy opposition, crossing the Gaina River and approaching River Quaderno.The Staff work at HQ 5th Kresowa Division Artillery had to be completed in a limited time in order to prepare the above Artillery plans and called for great effort and extreme accuracy. Major Lipowski not only directed the Staff work most efficiently but shone as an example of adroitness and devotion to duty.'Note the number of the recipient's Monte Cassino Cross is confirmed upon the roll.Tadeusz Lipowski was born on 29 March 1904, the son of two flour mill owners. His parents were forced to produce food for the German Army during the Great War, whilst the young Lipowski attended the local grammar school. Joining the Infantry Cadet School in 1926 he transferred to the Artillery Cadet School the next year and was commissioned Lieutenant in 1929.September 1939 and escaping to fight againPosted to Bendzen, Lipowski was set to work training new recruits, he was still there when the German Army invaded Poland in September 1939. His Regiment was left in an exposed position and forced to withdraw to avoid being encircled.Lipowski was interviewed post-war and the interviewer wrote a summary of his experiences, this narrative takes up the story:'The regiment was soon split up and within three days it had been officially annihilated although splinter groups had joined other regiments to continue fighting. Tade was able to join the Le Wolf East Polish soldiers on the 21st September and together they had fought their way out of danger or so they thought. Similar situations repeated themselves throughout Poland where the soldiers fought bravely on their own without the support of their planes which had been destroyed during the first day and without the aid of advanced weaponry…'Not long later the Russians invaded as well, tightening the noose around the Polish Army, communications at the time meant that many soldiers were not even aware of the Russian attack. One of these was Lipowski who awoke in a wood one morning to the sight of a Russian soldier on patrol. Unsure of whether this man was a friend or foe he remained hidden as the unsuspecting Russian passed beneath his sights, it was not until later that he discovered how close he had come to disaster.As the Polish defences were overrun, the Regiments began to splinter in small groups either seeking to withdraw to France and carry on the fight or set up resistance organisations. Lipowski, accompanied by two brother Officers, returned to the town in which he had been at school. His sister was living in the town and while they planned their next step she concealed them in her home.His brother came up with a plan to move them to a safer location by dressing the three men in his suits and putting them in the back of a wagon driven by a friendly farmer. Lipowski was forced to borrow a suit by his brother however the two Officers with him refused as the suits were expensive and they didn't want to take them. Instead, they removed their rank pips and took on the appearance of other ranks.During the journey the travellers were stopped by a Russian soldier, the farmer attempted to explain away the soldiers in his cart however this was for naught:'The Colonel could remain silent no longer and admitted to the Russian that they were in fact Officers so that the farmer would not get into trouble. Tadek said nothing but looked straight ahead. These Officers were only two of the many who were shot at Katyn by the Soviet secret police and left to rot in the mass grave, later discovered and dug up by the Germans two years later. Tadek had once again narrowly escaped death by what he called "good luck".' (Ibid)Reaching an underground resistance organisation, Lipowski was concealed by them and on 25 December 1939 dressed as a civilian he set out for southern Poland and the border. At one point he was stopped by a German soldier and asked when he was going, for one heart stopping moment it seemed that he was caught. This was not the case however, and it turned out the German was drunk and looking for someone to share a beer with - Lipowski agreed to a drink and later the soldier even waved him off on the tr…

Sold by Order of a Direct DescendantThe very complete 1985 C.B.E. and 'Arctic Convoys' group of nine awarded to Sub Lieutenant J. R. S. Homan, Royal Navy, who served on the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Tracker, latterly Industrial Director of the National Economic Development OfficeThe Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Civil Division, 2nd Type, Commander's (C.B.E.) neck Badge, silver and silver-gilt, with full and miniature neck ribbons, in case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Arctic Star, with its named box of issue; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, these five mounted as worn; together with Russia, Soviet Union, Ushakov Medal, reverse officially numbered '5182' with accompanying named certificate in case of issue; Russia, 70th and 75th Anniversary of the Great Patriotic War Medals, with accompanying named award certificates, good very fine (9)C.B.E. London Gazette 15 June 1985.John Richard Seymour Homan - or "Dick" to his friends and comrades - was born at Burley, Hampshire on 7 January 1925, the son of Captain Charles Edward Homan. He was initially educated at a pre-prep school in London then to St. Wilfrid's, Seaford in Sussex and in 1938 he attended Radley College before entering the Royal Navy in 1943 as a Midshipman. Classified as an 'Executive Special' he was posted to the Admiralty in London working in the personnel department. Requesting active service, he was posted to Tracker, an aircraft carrier, where he was given the job of plotting U-boat locations.Tracker served as an escort during 1943-1944 for North Atlantic and Arctic convoys. She originally carried Swordfish torpedo-bombers and Seafire fighters of No. 816 (Naval Air) Squadron, in January 1944, switching to the Grumman Avengers and Grumman Wildcats of No. 846 (Naval Air) Squadron. In April 1944, her aircraft, together with those from Activity were responsible for the sinking of the U-288 east of Bear Island, during convoy JW-58.On 10 June 1944, while part of the antisubmarine screen of the Western Approaches Command for the D-Day landings, she collided with a River-class frigate of the Royal Canadian Navy, Teme, causing damage to both ships. Tracker continued operations despite stove-in bows until 12 June 1944. Thereafter, she was repaired and partially refitted in Liverpool, until 7 September 1944. On 8 December 1944, the ship sailed to the United States to be used as an aircraft transport and spent the remainder of the war ferrying aircraft and personnel in the Pacific.Homan recounted her tenth and last convoy patrol to Murmansk in October 1944, in an interview he gave in 2020:'We escorted a Russian convoy to Murmansk. The Germans could by this time no longer use the west coast of France because of the Allied invasion, and so many U boats were sent to the Arctic. We were in a powerful convoy with three aircraft carriers, 25 other warships and about 28 merchant ships. Many of the merchant ships came from the U.S.A., carrying food and military equipment for the Russians, everything from planes, tanks, guns and ammunition down to boots.Despite the size of the convoy the U boats didn't know we were there until we got to the north of Norway, so the first part was peaceful. I say peaceful but, at that time of year, it was dark most of the day and pretty stormy and very cold. Twilight was about 1pm. We would fall back from the convoy to fly off our aircraft. The bravery of those pilots was incredible.Many were in exposed open cockpits and would have to take off from their carrier surging up and down in a rough sea. One of our aircraft got lost and had to break radio silence. That alerted Berlin who sent a wolf pack of U boats after us. We were heading due east and Berlin anticipated, quite correctly, that we would change our course to southeast, which is where the U boats went. However, London picked up Berlin's signal and instructed us to continue travelling east. The U boats missed us. It was not a complete triumph.Sending our aircraft after the U boats we were equipped with some wonderful new secret weapon, which unfortunately bounced harmlessly off the conning tower. I remember one disappointed pilot coming back and saying, "there goes my DSC". It was quite unusual that the convoy completed its journey there and back without loss of a single ship. I didn't realise until after the war that the Admiralty instruction to change from our original course was based on information from Bletchley. We had been unaware of Bletchley's existence.'U.S. Navy loan: December 1944 - July 1945Tracker left Greenock on 8 December 1944 and reached New York in time for Christmas, she was to stay there until New Year's Eve when she put to sea headed for the Panama Canal and reached San Diego on 17 January 1945. Here the ship's company received the same levels of hospitality they had enjoyed at Portland while the ship was being built. Books, magazines, music, sports kit, and more were donated to the ship for the men's 'comforts' by the Red Cross and U.S. Armed Forces Institute.After a week in San Diego, Tracker moved to San Pedro for the next five days, and opportunity was taken for the crew to experience Hollywood and film stars 'popped in' to visit the ship. By the end of January, she was full of aircraft and passengers bound for Hawaii and American bases in the Pacific. Her first voyage in the transport role took her to the Admiralty Isles and New Guinea in then back in San Diego, arriving back there on 20 March, a round trip of 13,424 miles taking two months. On the return trips Tracker carried U.S. personnel and casualties back to Pearl Harbour.Her second transport run was to Guam and Saipan in the Mariana Islands in April, during this trip the news of President Roosevelt's death reached the ship and her passengers, a memorial service was held on board. V.E. day, 8 May 8, was celebrated on the last leg from Hawaii three days out from San Diego and the end of a 13,020-mile trip.Tracker's third trip took her to the Marshal Islands and back, a shorter, 10,000 miles haul from 12 June-8 July. This was her last operation for the U.S. Navy, she had ferried 300 aircraft and 100 passengers in her three voyages and had steamed 36,000 miles across the Pacific. After storing ship Tracker was to proceed back to Britain, leaving San Diego on 13 Friday having exchanged a few crew members with her sister C.V.E. Atheling, also on transport duties; those men on Atheling who qualified for release under the recently announced 'Age & Service Release Scheme', with Tracker's 'newbies' filling their billets. She reached Norfolk, Virginia on 27 July and New York three days after.Homeward boundThis was to be Tracker's last east bound crossing, carrying on board American wives of British Naval personnel, evacuated children, and over a hundred members of the Fleet Air Arm from the Air Station in New Brunswick which was closing down. She made Greenock on 9 August and disembarked her passengers; work began almost immediately de-storing Tracker in preparation for her final voyage, her return to the U.S. Navy, her service with the Royal Navy ending.The war over, Homan read classics at Christ Church College, Oxford from 1946 graduating with a degree in philosophy, politics and economics. A keen oarsman during his time at the House was part of the team who won Head of the River in 1948. He was a lifelong member of Christ Church Boat Club.Homan joined the I.C.I. with whom he spent the bulk of his working career. He married The Hon. Mary Graham Buckley, daug…

The Military General Service Medal awarded to Sergeant T. Harris, 5th Regiment of Foot, who was slightly wounded in the Battle of Bergen 1799Military General Service 1793-1814, 6 clasps, Vimiera, Corunna, Salamanca, Vittoria, Orthes, Toulouse (T. Harris, 5th Foot.), minor pitting, very fineProvenance:Whitaker Collection 1890.One of 33 Medals with 6 clasps to the Regiment, 2 of this combination.Thomas Harris was a native of Gloucester, Gloucestershire and attested for service on 20 May 1799. Entering the Napoleonic War in Holland his service papers note 'Wounded slightly on the breast in Holland 19 September 1799'. This was the date of the Battle of Bergen where an Anglo-Russian army was defeated by a Franco-Batavian force.Here the Regiment, both the 1st and 2nd Battalions, were part of the centre-right column under General Dundas. Their role was to take and hold the village of Warmenhuizen, which they did alongside three Russian Regiments, holding it for the duration of the Battle. They suffered 345 other ranks and 22 Sergeants wounded in action, given how recently Harris had attested it is very likely he was a Private at the time.He went on to serve with the Regiment through much of the Peninsula Campaign, earning himself a 6-clasp medal. He was discharged on 11 September 1821, his conduct described as 'very good'. Harris is further entitled to a silver medal of merit; sold together with copied service papers.…