SIX VERY RARE ORIGINAL KORMORAN DOCUMENTS
A highly emotive and very rare group of 3 documents to a German sailor Decorated and Killed in action during the HMAS Sydney / Kormoran action comprising:
1. Official death certificate for AUGUST BILGES, showing him as KIA in Australian waters and dated 22.Juli.1943.
2. Official Naval (decorated border) death scroll named to AUGUST BILGES designed to be framed by the family.
3. Iron Cross 2nd Class award document to " maschineobergefreiten August Bilges vom Kommando Hilfskreuser Cormoran'. Signed and dated 19.11.1941 making it an actual award for the sinking of the Sydney.
4. The transcript of AUGUST BILGES record in Germany supplied along with a copy of his photo from the German archives
5.Also included in this offering is a very rare document awarding Otto Dornis das Kriegsabzeichen fur Hilfskkreuzer (Auxiliary Cruiser Badge) from the German Office looking after POW’s dated 1943.
At the time of the Sydney action this badge had not been distributed and it is interesting to see German efficiency ensuring that their sailor is made aware of his award despite being a POW in Victoria Australia. Otto Dornis is identified in a group photo of POW’s in Australia.
6 & 7. Two extremely rare documents also issued by the same German POW office advising the promotion of a Kormoran Sailor Friedrich Krebs in 1943 and again in 1944 whilst being a POW in Australia.
There can be no other Australian Naval action which has caused so much emotion among the Australian public than the sinking of the "Sydney". These documents are a rare incite to the other side and very rarely if ever seen on the open market.
Note: These 6 items are offered for both their educational and extreme historical importance to Australian Naval History. They are certainly not an endorsement of Nazi ideology.
$8500
A Large White Metal Canadian Boer War period hat badge with J. R. Gaunt London makers plate complete with both lugs.
Very good condition $375
A Lincolnshire Regiment 1st Volunteer Battalion Officer’s Blue Cloth Helmet.
A rare round front peak of the 1879-1881 pattern, the skull complete with silvered mounts, the frontal plate crowned with laurel and Garter overlays, to the centre Sphinx/Egypt on black velvet ground, below title ‘The Lincolnshire Regiment’ with drop scroll ‘1st Volunteer Battalion’, helmet plate original to helmet, velvet backed chin chain, inner leather sweatband with crimson silk lining, embossed Joseph Ascher 428 Strand London,
Very good condition $2450
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
A MASSIVE NAVAL STANDARD FOR PRUSSIAN ROYALTY
This massive flag measuring 3.9 meters deep by 4.1 meters long is in incredible condition by still retaining full colour to both sides with only minor damage to the edge which does not affect any of the symbolism. The banners centre sports a large Prussian eagle within a shield on a large iron cross surmounted by a Royal crown and surrounded by the important symbol of Prussian Royalty being the collar chain and insignia of the Black Eagle Order. Each of the four corners display three eagles and a crown. Given the sheer size of this flag it would have undoubtedly been flown on a Battleship during Royal visits.
Originally sold by Helmut Weitze in 2005 for 3500 Euro and described as “Personal Standard of Prussian Prince Heinrich von Preussen the younger brother of Kaiser Wilhelm II and Grand admiral of the German Fleet and used on board the Battleship Castle”.
A unique opportunity to own an extremely rare Prussian Royal Standard of immense size in such outstanding condition
$4750
A MASSIVE NAVAL STANDARD FOR PRUSSIAN ROYALTY
This massive flag measuring 3.9 meters deep by 4.1 meters long is in incredible condition by still retaining full colour to both sides with only minor damage to the edge which does not affect any of the symbolism. The banners centre sports a large Prussian eagle within a shield on a large iron cross surmounted by a Royal crown and surrounded by the important symbol of Prussian Royalty being the collar chain and insignia of the Black Eagle Order. Each of the four corners display three eagles and a crown. Given the sheer size of this flag it would have undoubtedly been flown on a Battleship during Royal visits.
Originally sold by Helmut Weitze in 2005 for 3500 Euro and described as “Personal Standard of Prussian Prince Heinrich von Preussen the younger brother of Kaiser Wilhelm II and Grand admiral of the German Fleet and used on board the Battleship Castle”.
A unique opportunity to own an extremely rare Prussian Royal Standard of immense size in such outstanding condition
$4750
A Metropolitan Police Jubilee and Coronation medal trio to PC. J. GARRARD, D Division (Marylebone), Metropolitan Police.
Trio: 1887 Metropolitan Police Jubilee Medal (Bar - 1897) named to PC. J. GARRARD. D. Divn. 1902 Metropolitan Police Coronation Medal named to P.C. J. GARRARD. D. Div. 1911 Metropolitan Police Coronation Medal named to P.C. J. GARRARD.
VF SOLD
A Metropolitan Police Jubilee and Coronation medal trio to PC. J. GARRARD, D Division (Marylebone), Metropolitan Police.
Trio: 1887 Metropolitan Police Jubilee Medal (Bar - 1897) named to PC. J. GARRARD. D. Divn. 1902 Metropolitan Police Coronation Medal named to P.C. J. GARRARD. D. Div. 1911 Metropolitan Police Coronation Medal named to P.C. J. GARRARD.
VF SOLD
A mid to early 17TH CENTURY GERMAN POWDER FLASK, of characteristic flattened horn form, with iron mounts, the sides decorated with foliage and Vignette of huntsman, the rear decorated with panels of concentric circles dating it to circa 1620.
Originally purchased from PETER DALE in London 40 years ago.
A NSW Pre Federation Pouch complete with dirty w/m badge. Circa 1880.
Black lacquer in bad condition but the pouch is very good with all fittings. $475
A PERSONAL ITEM OF FIELD MARSHALL WILLIAM BIRDWOOD
A late 18th Century George 111 Commode which has been converted to a bedside cabinet or small writing desk. The significance of this piece is that it was formally the property of Lord Birdwood (Field-Marshall the Lord William Birdwood, GCB, GCSI, GCMG, GCVO, CIE, DSO. Barron Birdwood of Anzac and of Totnes). Lord Birdwood had family in Western Australia and the grand-daughter sold a number of his personal effects in a Gregson’s Auction in 1991.
Galleried top with cut out handles. Tambour front and in the Chippendale style. Comes complete with Auctioneers letter of provenance and some research. It was even suggested that this item went ashore at Gallipoli among Birdwood’s smaller items of creature comfort.
Good condition $6750
A Quality German WW2 Cavalry Officers Sword by Eickhorn Model Nr 1312. Leopard head pommel with ruby eyes. Complete with portepee and painted black scabbard.
In exceptional condition with only light scratches to the scabbard $1485
A Rare 1855 – 1880 17th foot Leicestershire Regiment Forage cap. The Regimental number designation was finally dropped due to the Childers reform of 1881 and only the Regimental devise retained, in this case the tiger.
In very good condition for this type of cap.
A rare Georgian Officers coatee in amazing condition circa 1810. Scarlet cloth with dark blue facings, complete with all its gilt buttons (40) and gilt metal stringed bugles on the wings. Buttons back marked H T & D being Hammond Turner & Dixon 1800-1812. Some stain & moth under the armpits otherwise in outstanding condition. Good to see all buttons present which are in superb gilt with LV in the star.
SOLD
A RARE GONA BEACH 2/16th CASUALTY
Five: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 1939/45 all correctly impressed to WX9438 S. SMITH
Living in Bridgetown, Stanley Smith Enlisted on the 4th of December 1940 and was taken on strength with the 2/16th Battalion Bravo Coy.
First serving in Palestine before reaching PNG and the Kokoda track (now as a member of Delta Company).
Private Stanley Smith was wounded in action in Gona and succomed to his wound on the 4th December 1942 at the age of 29.
The medals come in the original box of issue and also accompanied with research and his "South West Amatuer Wrestling Championship", Middleweight trophy won by him in 1939.
This is a rare chance to purchase a true bit of Australian History as 2/16th Battalion medals seldom appear on the market.
SOLD
A rare Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers Member of the British Empire (MBE) group for North West Europe the recipient being in addition Mentioned in Despatches for North West Europe and Korea later serving in Malaya
Nine: Member of the British Empire (MBE) 2nd type Military 1939/45 Star, France & Germany Star, Defence & War Medals with Mentioned in Despatches Oak leaf Queen's Korea Medal with MID Major J R Matthews MBE REME, General Service Medal E2 bar Malaya Major J R Matthews MBE REME, United Nations Medal for Korea Queen Elizabeth 2 Coronation Medal 1953 – mounted as worn
MBE London Gazette 11 October 1945
'For gallant & distinguished service in NW Europe'
MID London Gazette 23 March 1945
'For gallant and distinguished service in NW Europe'
MID London Gazette 7 September 1952 'For gallant and distinguished services in Korea during the period 1 January to 30 June 1951'
With copy Medal roll entry for Elizabeth 2 Coronation Medal and MBE recommendation as Deputy Assistant Director of Mechanical Engineering 8th Corps stating 'This officer has held the appointment of D.A.D.M.E since the early days of the Corps in February 1943. His untiring application has played a great part in the work which REME have been able to undertake. Throughout the operation from HOLLAND to SCHLESWIG he has put in a degree of work that has enabled the branch to function normally in spite of severe reductions in personnel from accidents and sickness'.
Second Mentioned in Despatches was awarded commanding the 11th Infantry Brigade REME Workshop in Korea.
John Rose Matthews, MBE, MA was born 21 June 1914 and obtained an Honours Degree in Mechanical Sciences at Cambridge University commissioned Lieutenant 23 March 1940 promoted Captain 11 January 1943 and acting Major from 11 October 1942 and War Services substantive Major 8 November 1945 and acting Lt Colonel 8 August 1945 to 7 November 1945 and Temporary Colonel 8 November 1945 to 23 May 1947. Reverted to substantive Major on the 21 June 1950 from acting rank of Lt Colonel. Retired 21 June 1969 and granted the hon rank of Lt Colonel. John Ross Mathews died in Chichester in 1999
Note: Johnathan Collins, Warsash Hampshire 1st June 2008 £1150
GVF - NEF SOLD
A Rare white Cloth State of Victoria Colonial 6 panel Pith Helmet complete with badge for the Victorian Military Forces which is original to the helmet. The badge is an Officers issue gilt on a silver star and is circa 1893. The elongated neck and body is still quite firm, with excellent puggaree. Good condition leather sweat band with sound silk attachment. Internal body has full quilting. Complete with leather lined chin chain.
Colonial helmets are now considered extremely rare in this country and only seem to appear as a result of old collections being dispersed.
Good condition SOLD
A rather nice White Cloth Helmet Circa 1890 by Hawkes. Typical six panel with square back. The body is firm with tight puggaree. Silk still attached to the leather sweat band. Chin chain and spike in brass.
Very good condition $3500
A Record of War Service 28 Bn. By H. B. Collett (Burridge reprint No 85/200).
SOLD
A Royal Medical Corps Officers Blue Cloth Helmet 1902-08. Quality gilt helmet plate which is original to the helmet. Buff leather sweat band with fully attached silk liner. Leather backed chin chain. No visible makers mark.
Very good condition $1425
A Royal Regiment of Artillery Officer’s Full Dress Sabretache to the 8th Lancashire Artillery.
A fine example c.1870-1901, the pouch and back of black Moroccan, the face of blue cloth overlaid with silver train lace, in the centre the Royal Arms of Great Britain in silver thread, velvet and silks, the honour ‘Ubique’, sprays of oak and laurel, a silver metal cannon and bottom scroll ‘Quo Fas Et Gloria Ducant;’, complete with 3 D rings, together with its black Moroccan foul weather cover, There are no loose or broken wires in the embroidery.
UNDER OFFER
Very good condition $950
A Royal Welsh Fusiliers Tunic with Slade Wallace webbing.
The Slade Wallace set comprising shoulder straps, two pouches and a bayonet frog. Standard Victorian brass belt buckle with crown, lion and motto. Tunic in very good condition complete with brass titles and collars.
Good condition SOLD
A scarce 13th Light Horse WW1 period Hat badge IMPRESSED possibly Tip Taft and not one of the crude cast ones.
$385
A scarce 1796 Pattern Troopers Heavy Cavalry DISC HILT Sword. True to pattern in all respects still retaining its langets and hatchet point . A good heavy scabbard which is dent free and marked C over 17 with matching marks on the hilt.
Blade marked crown over 3. Back strap marked with remnants of WOOLLEY.
Very good condition
A scarce 1871 Pattern British Cavalry Helmet of the 1st (Royal) Dragoons.
Regulation form with nickel skull and brass fittings including helmet plate and chin chain.
Leather liner is in good condition. The nickel Dragoon helmets are much rarer than the 7 Dragoon Guards Regiments who wore brass helmets.
