Single: Sutlej 1845-46, for Moodkee 1845, 3 clasps,” Ferozeshuhur, Aliwal, Sobraon”. Unnamed as issued probably to an Indian recipient in the H.E.I.C. The maximum battle honours for this scarce medal. Nicely toned.
VF $1250
A scarce Guard-Fusilier-Regiment, Imperial German Army Pickelhaube with associated death poster size documents to Lt. Bernhard Bottcher (1979- 1915)
Born on 20 September 1879 at Trebnitz, Brandenburg, Bernhard Böttcher was the son of a railway official. Following his education at the Prussian Non-Commissioned Officer Preparatory School at Neubreisach, he enlisted in the prestigious 7th Company, Garde-Fusilier-Regiment.
A capable and respected professional soldier, Böttcher served as a shooting instructor (Schießunteroffizier) before rising to the rank of Feldwebel (Sergeant Major). In April 1910 he left active military service to become an official with the renowned Borsig Locomotive Works in Tegel, Berlin.
With the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, Böttcher was immediately recalled to military service. Initially serving as an Offizier-Stellvertreter (Deputy Officer) with the regiment's Replacement Battalion, he was commissioned Lieutenant der Reserve on 10 September 1914. His leadership and experience quickly earned him command of the 5th Company, reflecting the confidence placed in him by his superiors.
During the summer of 1915, the German Army advanced across Galicia following the successful Gorlice–Tarnów Offensive, one of the decisive campaigns on the Eastern Front. On 23 July 1915, while serving with the 5th Company, Garde-Fusilier-Regiment, Lieutenant Bernhard Böttcher was mortally wounded near Wierzslow, Galicia, at just 35 years of age. Contemporary regimental histories record that he "died a hero's death" (Helden Tod), although surviving documentation suggests his fatal wounds may have resulted from an accidental incident while on active operations.
Böttcher was awarded the Iron Cross, Second Class (Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse) for his wartime service.
The memorial display includes his official patriotic memorial print (Gedenkblatt) bearing the biblical inscription from 1 John 3:16:
"How should we also lay down our lives for our brethren."
Also preserved is an uncommon artistic original pen & ink depiction of his original battlefield grave, surrounded by floral wreaths shortly after his burial, together with a contemporary Or’s Pickelhaube, representing his Regiment.
This display commemorates the service and sacrifice of one of Germany's professional Guards soldiers whose career spanned the final years of the Imperial Army before ending on the battlefields of the Eastern Front.
VF+ $2500
A Victorian British Lancer Regiment Officer’s Foul Weather Lance Cap. A scarce example in overall black patent leather complete with dummy plume boss and four small buttons in imitation of a covered top, good quality gilt lions’ mask side ornaments and similar gilt quatrefoil ring and hook cap line and chin strap retainer to the reverse, original buff leather sweatband still has its original silk band attached in good order. The in-depth silk liner is messy probably due to the internal shape. Otherwise, the helmet is in overall excellent condition.
VF+ $1850
A fine example of a COLDSTREAM GUARDS BEARSKIN complete with red plume and tapered brass chin chain anchored with typical leather straps. The cane basket is in excellent condition, and the fur is full bodied. It has a very fine profile.
VGC $950
An iron burgonet with a rounded skull rising to a pronounced comb, a projecting pointed peak and a flared, riveted neck guard. The hinged cheekpieces are pierced with groups of ventilation holes and extend into flared lower plates. Turned edges and prominent domed rivets complete its distinctive profile.
The surfaces have a dark finish with normal pitting, scattered oxidation and scratches. The interior shows exposed rivet ends and a small, riveted plate or washer. No lining survives.
An imposing helmet originally purchased as part of the Sigmaringen Castle Collection 1975 (Herman Historica). Overall, a nice example of an item that dates to circa 1580.
$5750
C145 Goldfields Infantry Regiment hat badge with perfect enamel
West Australian Infantry Regiment glengarry badge with painted black swan
This typical field cap with blue body with red band and piping with single cockade is elevated to the most desirable by the internal cap markings being size 57 92 Regt.111BN with a named sewn in label. No damage or mothing to this early field cap from around the Franco Prussian War period.
Amazing condition. $1200
Imperial German Braunschweig 92nd Infantry Regiment Einj. Freiwilliger (one year Volunteer) Schirmmutze Cap. Dark blue wool construction with red piping and band. Braunschweig pattern Officers Totenkopf with Officers Braunschweig and National cockade cap badges. Leather sweatband with name of recipient and unit on sewn in label under sweat band. This hat would be circa 1912 when the regiment were authorised to wear the Totenkopf and pre the WW1 style.
A truly loverly example with NO moth. $2200
A highly coherent named group relating to Unteroffizier Julius Wilhelm Carl Johann Laßmann, born 13 November 1848 in Braunschweig, who entered the Herzoglich Braunschweigisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 92 on 2 January 1869 as an Einjährig-Freiwilliger. He was promoted Gefreiter on 1 September 1869 and Unteroffizier on 21 July 1870, immediately before active operations against France.
Serving with the 5th Company, II Battalion, IR 92, Laßmann's Militär-Pass records an extensive 1870–71 campaign including Gravelotte (18 August 1870), the investment of Metz, Noisseville, Ladonchamps and Charly, followed by operations in the Loire campaign, including Vendôme and the Le Mans sector. His II Battalion was subsequently awarded the battle distinction “Vendôme.”
Laßmann was decorated with the Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse) and the 1870–71 War Commemorative Medal for Combatants, both decorations being specifically recorded in his original Militär-Pass. He was released to the reserve on 25 November 1871, transferred to the Landwehr in 1875 and finally discharged in 1881.
Items included in the sale
1. Original cased 1870 Iron Cross 2nd Class, with combatant ribbon.
2. Laßmann's named Militär-Pass, recording his promotions, campaign service and Iron Cross.
3. Named Soldbuch for Laßmann, 5./IR 92.
4. Large illustrated 1870–71 Kriegsdenkmünze combatant certificate, issued to Unteroffizier Laßmann at Pfalzburg, 15 June 1872.
5. 1909 IR 92 centenary commemorative item, marking the regiment's 100th anniversary, 1809–1909. enamel pin plus scarce Totenkopf cap badge.
6. Period military portrait, associated with the group.
7. A booklet Ruhmreiche Regimenter Braunschweigs” commemorative print.
8. A superb cigar case showing Regimental markings
An unusually complete and well-documented Franco-Prussian War Brunswick group, with the particularly desirable feature that the recipient's entitlement to the 1870 Iron Cross is independently confirmed in his original military papers.
$2750
A sword of 1796 Light Cavalry pattern, with 33in. blade copiously etched for most of its length with foliate decoration, Trophies of Arms, Britannia, cypher a Crest of a rampant lion with axe and a Rose within a circle inscribed WEST YORK MILITIA, with clear scrolls showing maker Osborne Gunby circa 1810 Brass (originally gilt) stirrup hilt, with engraved decoration on langets, wire-bound wooden grip and backpiece terminating in Eagle's head pommel, in a massive black leather scabbard, with brass mounts, the chape extended to incorporate the middle-band. As an interesting aside, I have a copy of the West Australian Newspaper 1984 showing the Eighth Nizam of Hyderabad holding this sword. Some staining to blade but quite clear etching. With no damage to scabbard or chops to blade, I regard as is very good condition.
Sold
This exceptional archive comprises an almost continuous record of Hertel's military career from 1915 through the end of the Second World War with over 20 documents and includes:
Oberleutnant d.L.z.V. Willy Oskar Hertel (1889–after 1945)
Leib-Grenadier-Regiment Nr. 100 • Imperial German Intelligence Officer • Wehrmacht Staff Officer
Willy Oskar Hertel was born on 15 December 1889 in Glauchau, Kingdom of Saxony. Before the First World War he worked as a schoolteacher in Oberschöna. In 1915 he entered military service as an Einjährig-Freiwilliger (One-Year Volunteer), the traditional route for educated men seeking reserve officer commissions.
Hertel was posted to the prestigious 1. Königlich Sächsisches Leib-Grenadier-Regiment Nr. 100, one of the oldest and most distinguished regiments of the Saxon Army. Descended from the Saxon Leib Regiment founded in 1670, the regiment served with the 23rd Division of the XII (1st Royal Saxon) Army Corps during the First World War.
His surviving archive documents a remarkable military career. Early combat evaluations praise his courage, leadership, initiative, and ability to command under fire. In July 1916 he was officially commended in Corps Daily Orders for his "bold and skillful conduct" during dangerous reconnaissance patrols. His gallantry earned him the Friedrich August Medal in Silver, Iron Cross Second Class, Knight's Cross, Second Class of the Order of Albrecht with Swords, and later the Iron Cross First Class.
Recognizing his intelligence and analytical ability, the Army transferred Hertel to the Reconnaissance (Intelligence) Section of the XII Royal Saxon Army Corps. There he worked on civilian intelligence, political reporting, liaison with government authorities, intelligence organization, and the preparation of strategic memoranda. His commanding officers consistently praised his judgment, discretion, writing ability, and organizational skill.
During the war Hertel suffered a severe wound, losing the sight of one eye, for which he received the Wound Badge in Black. Despite this disability he remained highly valued, continuing his service in increasingly responsible staff appointments.
Following the First World War Hertel remained a reserve officer. Recalled during the Second World War, he was promoted to Oberleutnant der Landwehr z.V. Officer evaluations from 1942 and 1943 describe him as energetic, highly educated, dependable, and particularly suited for higher command and staff responsibilities. His final wartime decorations included the War Merit Cross with Swords, Second Class, and First. This is the first attributed Pickelhaube I have had in 50 years in!
Superb condition. $3250
1796 pattern Light Cavalry officer’s sword. A superb example retaining most of its original blue & gilt design to the single fullered blade. The blade is engraved with the “GR” cypher to one side which is surmounted by the Hanoverian Crown. The style of Royal Cypher would indicate the sword is by Henry Osborne 1798 see page 307 plate 28.1 The British Cavalry Sword by Richard Dellar. The blade has no chips and retains 85% Blue Gilt. The wire bound leather covered grip is in top condition. Superb scabbard totally dents free. These swords are now well over 200 years old, and it is a pleasure to handle this example.
An extremely attractive example $3500
Single: Crimea 1854-56, 2 clasps, “Inkermann, Sebastopol” T. Smith Grenadier Guards, impressed. On roll as KILLED IN ACTION at Inkermann. In nicely toned condition with original ribbon. One of the classic actions in the Crimea – The Sandbag Battery.
EF $3850
Single: QUEENS SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL 1899 two clasps “NATAL, Belfast” impressed 2312 Pte. J. Martin Manchester Rgt.
EF $465
Single: QUEENS SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL 1899 three clasps “R of Kim, Paard, Drief.” Impressed 2867 Pte. J. R. Rayson Yorkshire Rgt.
near EF $385
Single: QUEENS SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL 1899 three clasps “CC, T, WITT.” impressed 2880 Pte. G. Keidmore Manch Rgt.
EF $365
Single: QUEENS SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL 1899 five clasps “CC, T HTS, OFS, R of LADY, T” impressed 5351 Pte. G. Webb 1. BORD. REGT.
Heavily toned otherwise VF $485
Single: QUEENS SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL 1899 four clasps “CC, OFS, SA01, SA02” impressed 4539 Pte. J. Graydon 9th Lancers.
Gd VF $425
Model 1894 mitre helmet of the First Foot Guards, First and Second Battalions. Has silvered front plate with eagle, cypher with motto "Semper Talis," for Grenadiers. metal hatband embossed with grenade motifs. Excellent red wool 'bag' trimmed with White strip braiding. Complete with pompom, no flat chin scales to suit M91 post although some early photos show them as not present. Very good leather sweatband and inner frame. No moth to the fabric. An excellent example of a scarce prestigious Regiment.
$4850
A Rare Bavarian M1861 Raupenhelm helmet also known as a "caterpillar helmet" due to its distinctive wool crest.
It was worn by Bavarian Landwehr Infantry Regiments.
The helmet features a leather body and a gilt M (Maximilian) monogram on the front helmet plate, with further evidence of it being 1861 is the leather band around the helmet above the two peaks as the system of attachment changed in 1868.
It has an original wool "Raupe" (caterpillar) crest and a leather chin strap which was introduced in 1868 to replace the chin scales at the same time the new and far more common Ludwig helmet plate was adopted. Complete with Lion head boss and cocarde. Some damage to liner tongues but reasonable condition. Overall condition is very good and as an original 1861 is scarce
$2850
A Cracking Military Medal GVR. 626 Cpl J.Currie. 44/Aust:Inf:
Single: Military Medal GVR. 626 Cpl J.Currie. 44/Aust:Inf: Impressed. MM: LG 21/10/1918, p12421; CAG 12/2/1919, p272, to 626 Corporal John Currie, 44 Aust Infy Bn.
Recommendation: On the 4th July, 1918, during the attack on the ridge East of Hamel, Corporal Currie led his Section with great determination and dash. Working his way along an enemy trench he successfully mopped up several dugouts, killing several Boche. He was afterwards successful in capturing an enemy Machine Gun and killing the crew. His coolness and co-operation were very valuable and a great help to his Platoon Commander.
John Currie, labourer, age 28, born at Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland; Enl.05Jan1916 at Perth, WA; Emb.06Jun1916 with 44Bn; to France 25Nov1916; AWL 21-22Jul1917 in France - awarded forfeiture 4 days pay; to T/Cpl 17Aug1917; to Cpl 11Sep1917; to L/Sgt 21Jul1918; awarded MM 31Jul1918; to Overseas Trg Bn in England 01Aug1918; to course of instruction in Defensive Measures Against Gas 12-21Aug1918; to T/CQMS 11Dec1918; to L/Sgt 25Jan1919; RTA 21Jun1919; Disch.17Sep1919.
On 8 March 1920 L/Sgt J.Currie MM was sent a Congratulatory Card issued by the General Officer Commanding 4th Army, British Expeditionary Force, referring in laudatory terms to the conspicuous manner in which he conducted himself on the battlefield in the face of the enemy.
Near EF $2250
MM Group of Four to WIA at Gallipoli
MM Group of Four to WIA at Gallipoli: Military Medal GVR. 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 1019 Sapr. A.E.Stocqueler. 4/D.S.Coy Aust:E. on first medal, 1019 Spr. A.E.Stocqueler. 4/Sig. Trp. A.I.F. on second medal, 19 Spr. A.E.Stocqueler. 4 L.H.Sig Trp. A.I.F. on third medal, 1019 Spr. A.E.Stocqueler. 4 L.H.Sig Trp. A.I.F. on last medal. All medals impressed, note error on third medal with serial number 19 instead of 1019, obviously an error in the medal naming department.
Together with fob medal in silver and gold (28.5x40mm), hallmarked for Chester 1903 by jeweller, J&RG (J & R Griffin), ring top suspension, obverse inscribed, 'AS', reverse uninscribed; football prize fob handcrafted in gold (9ct; 6.88g; 29x36mm), no maker, ring top suspension, reverse inscribed, 'M.S.F.A/1920/1st Leag. 2nd Div./Gladesville/A.Stocqueler.'; another in gold (9ct; 2.78g; 30x33mm) by A&C Ld Angus & Coote Ltd), ring to suspension, obverse inscribed, 'AS', reverse inscribed, 'D.H.A.F.C/for best/Individual playing/A.Stoqueler' (note surname error).
MM: LG 4/2/1918, p1619; CAG 27/6/1918, p1394, to 1019 Sapper A.E.Stocqueler 4th Aust Div Sig Coy.
Recommendation by Maj-Gen E.G.Sinclair Maclagan Commanding 4th Aust Div: 'For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Zonnebeke. On the night on the 11th October, 1917, this soldier delivered important despatches to Brigade Headquarters under most adverse and dangerous conditions. Sapper Stocqueler, although delayed several times by heavy shelling, persisted and pushed his way through. His task was more difficult in that, on horseback, he had to leave the road and find his way through shell holed country under heavy enemy shell fire in the darkness to a place he had not been before. He showed great initiative, perseverance, and endurance in getting through, and returning without delay with despatches for Division. This happened repeatedly during the time this Division was in the line. His work throughout the operations was of the highest order and he was untiring in his efforts.'
Arthur Edgar Stocqueler, storeman, age 26, born at Colchester, Chelmsford, Essex, England; Enl.17Feb1915 at Liverpool, NSW; to 4th Sig Trp 02Mar1915 as Sapper; Emb.01Jun1915; to Gallipoli 30Aug1915; WIA 19Oct1915 shrapnel wound left ankle, Gallipoli; TOS 4th Div Sig Coy 09Feb1916; awarded Military Medal under R.O.421 16Nov1917; injured accidentally 28Aug1918, abrasions left hand and bruising of left calf, when acting as dispatch rider ran into a motor car proceeding in opposite direction, France; rejoined unit 30Aug1918; RTA 25Jan1919; Disemb.23Mar1919; Disch.17May1919. 9.66 gm of 9CT gold incl
Gd VF $4200
An original Scottish Doublet complete with Slade Walace webbing
A good Scottish doublet circa 1900 with yellow shoulder tabs with a standard original Slade Wallace webbing rig. The original bayonet frog is a ring in to complete the set. Lacking collar badges. Overall, it is in good condition, with all buttons and no moth.
on hold
