Sold Gallery
These pages display a number of the rare items that I have had the pleasure of selling. To view more details and a larger photograph please click on the thumbnail picture.
3rd Pattern F.S. Knife.
Introduced from 1942 the 3rd Pattern F.S. knife was the zenith of FS knives formulating the design and method of production that is still used today. This wartime example retains nearly all of it's coppered finish to the ringed grip which has a number ' 3 ' cast into the top. Some minor rubbing and bruising to the highpoints. Blade retains it's needle point and the majority of it's blued finish with clearly discernible cross-graining apart from the tip. Late pattern sheath with both tabs and elastic retainer in good order. All together an excellent example. MR/06
WW1 Dayfield Body armour
A scarce example of the Dayfield Body Shield. The design was patented in 1916 by Francis Dayton and Mr E A Whitfield. The armour consisted of four plates fitted into a khaki cotton "waistcoat". The patent describes the shield thus: “This invention has for its object to provide a shield that shall be efficient and light and capable of being comfortably worn by a soldier or other person for the protection of his body against attack by rifle fire, bayonet, lance or sword”. This example is dusty with some staining of the heavy cotton waistcoat. In three areas the plate is showing ( very minor ) and there is some minor rusting bleeding through the cotton. Both attachments tapes intact and clear ' Dayfield ' stencil to interior. A good solid example of early body armour. Please contact me re postage as it is quite heavy at nearly 3kgs
NSDAP armband in cotton with RZM label.
A very good quality armband, in a three piece construction. Red cotton band with disc and swaz separately applied. Been on a shirt or a tunic. Nice, complete RZM label inside.
WW2 No.4 Mk 1 Cruciform bayonet.
Original British No.4 Mk1 cruciform bayonet introduced in November 1939 for the No.4 Rifle. Clearly stamped with Royal cypher, designation and SM for Singer Manufacturing with an etched inspection mark to one of the faces of the blade near the tang. Also SM 41 stamp to face of catch. Complete with correct No.4 Mk1 scabbard. Excellent overall condition with residual traces of black paint.
Printed 10 Commando shoulder title.
Mint, printed 10 Commando shoulder title. No.10 was the Interallied Commando made up of men from the occupied territories in 10 troops established on national lines. No.3 Troop was made up of miscellaneous nations including a strong German and Jewish contingent. This title is uncommon in both it's embroidered and printed versions and this example is in superb condition. MR/C02
Japanese Army photo album.
An impressive and unusual Japanese Army photo album. 180 + photos and postcards contained within decorative tooled covers. The decorative tooling shows images of troops and warfare with a multi coloured award to one corner. The photos show one man's service, probably in China and probably pre 1940 judging from the uniforms in general wear. The images range from the mundane, relaxing, colleagues, sites of interest to some which appear to show combat. The album is in excellent overall condition as are the photos, an impressive and well presented album.
2nd Pattern (earlier type)Fairburn-Sykes Fighting
This knife is in fantastic condition, and apart from some light scratching to the surface of the blade is in virtually mint condition! Brass checquered hilt has 99% of the blued finish still present. Blade has perfect needle point, Etched 'FS Fighting knife' panel on one side, 'Wilkinson sword' on the other. Blade surface has been cleaned with wire wool or similar, so has some fine surface scratches. Scabbard is beautiful, original brown colour leather, all blue finish on steel tip. Elasticated grip strap still present. A wonderful example of this iconic fighting knife.
BC41 Knuckle Knife.
A wonderfully sleepy example of the BC41 Knuckle knife. Reputedly issued to Commandos prior to their issue of FS knives, the design was heavily influenced by similar knives produced by some Sheffield manufacturers during WW1. This example has never been cleaned and has staining and minor corosion all of which can be straight forwardly removed if you had a mind. Evidence of the blade having been sharpened. The sheath too is in similar dusty, uncleaned condition. Altogether an excellent, untouched, sleepy example of a famed pattern of a fighting knife.
Printed 2 Commando shoulder title.
Excellent condition, printed 2 Commando shoulder title. Showing signs of having been removed from a uniform, the title displays the typical modification where the 'No.2' is folded under or removed to read '2 Commando'.
Third Reich NCO's visor cap
An untouched piece, and never been in a collection before! Purchased recently direct from source, along with a nice party armband, both bought back from the war as souvenirs. This is not a mint cap, but has that 'used' and 'been there-done-that' look and feel. There is no damage to the cap, and only one tiny moth nip at the back. The celluliod diamond has gone to time. There is writing and ink stamps to the inside of the leather sweatband, but I can't make them out. Nicely toned badges are original to the piece. NCO's chinstrap is prefect and never been removed.