British WW1 highly detailed large ‘For King and Empire Services Rendered Pin Badge’ in excellent condition. Issue numbered on the rear 420728. The Silver War Badge was issued in the United Kingdom and the British Empire to service personnel who had been honourably discharged due to wounds, sickness, or age, from military service in the First World War.
Very good condition ‘Royal Corps of Signals’ Sweetheart Brooch with Kings Crown and with pin intact. These "sweetheart" badges were commonly given as romantic keepsakes by members of the armed forces to their loved ones during wartime, particularly in World War I and II, to symbolize support and pride. The brooch features the Royal Corps of Signals emblem, which includes the figure of Mercury (the Roman god of communication) standing on a globe, encircled by an oval with the text "ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS," and surmounted by a crown.
World War 1 British brass 'Home Counties Reserve Regiment' Cap Badge in very nice condition and complete with clip, usually snapped off and missing. Seldom seen cap badge.
World War One issue 'On War Service' Buttonhole Badge. 26mm diameter. Excellent quality made badge. Numbered 4227. Maker stamped D.G. Collins, London. 'A'. These small, metal pin badges were worn by civilians during the First World War in order to indicate that the person wearing it was on engaged in important war-work. Several of these badges were officially produced and distributed nationally but many more were produced privately by employing companies to support their employees.
Rare British wartime period 1930's-40's empty 'Squadron Leader Tobacco' Tin 'Curly Cut'. Manufactured by Samual Gawith & Co., Ltd., Kendal. "Manufactures of fine tobacco since 1792." Research on this item I found 2 on ebay priced at £100.00 and $158.00. Nice usable item or for any wartime collection of militaria.
WW2 British Home Guard enamel lapel badge with Kings Crown, in excellent condition and with blue and red enamelling intact. The badge features the initials "H.G." surmounted by a crown, which stands for the Home Guard, a British civilian militia force during WWII. These badges were worn by members of the Home Guard, initially known as the Local Defence Volunteers (LDV), which was established in May 1940 as Britain's "last line of defence" against a potential German invasion. The Home Guard played a vital role in guarding coastal areas, airfields, factories, and other strategic locations across Britain.
World War 2 Greek 'Medal for the War of 1941–1945' in excellent condition and complete with ribbon. The medal was bestowed upon Royal Hellenic Armed Forces personnel for operational services to the Army in North Africa, the South Aegean Sea and Italy. Several thousands of Army personnel, the majority of the Fleet and the remaining aeroplanes escaped to Turkey or were evacuated to Egypt after the capitulation of the Continental Greece and the battle of Crete respectively.
World War 1 issued quality made and crisply detailed World War 1 issued 'WV' (Women's Voluntary) War Work brass Badge. Excellent condition. Stamped on the rear with the famous wartime badge maker J. R. Gaunt of London. Also issue numbered 48913.
Scarcer type of a British WW2 ‘Fire Watchers’ Enamel Lapel badge in good clean condition. 1940’s Blitz. Getting hard to find nowadays. These were issued to members of the civilian Fire Watch / Fire Guard organization. Their role included: Keeping lookout from rooftops or designated buildings during air raids, Spotting and reporting incendiary bombs, tackling small fires before they spread, Guiding the Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) or National Fire Service (NFS) to incidents and helping organize evacuation of buildings. Reference: ‘Doing Their Bit’ Home Front Lapel Badges 1939-1945 by Jon Mills
Daily Express Special! Publication. The Politics of Hate. From John Kennedy to Bobby Kennedy.
A memorial to two brothers compiled and produced by the editorial department of the Daily Express. June 8th. 1968. Fascinating read full of powerful photographs of the time. Very good clean condition.
Excellent condition. Sterling Silver example. Issued with members number 160251. It was worn by members of the Auxiliary Fire Service in Britain, mainly between 1938 and 1941. The AFS consisted largely of: Part-time volunteer firefighters, Men and women recruited for civil defence and Personnel supporting regular local authority fire brigades. The AFS was formed in 1938 in anticipation of air raids during WWII. Its purpose was to reinforce local fire brigades, deal with large-scale fires caused by bombing and operate pumps, water supplies and fire-watching duties.
Large World War 1 British issued 'Comrades of the Great War' members lapel badge in very good clean condition and complete with pin. Stamped on the rear with the issue number 105239 and made by the famous wartime badge maker J.R. Gaunt of London.
French 'M1874' Gras Bayonet. Henry Entrepreneur. Blade slightly pitted but good condition. Bayonet has brass and wooden hilt, serial number 80337. Scabbard serial number J 53582. Bayonet measures approx. 64cm long.
Very nice clean and highly detailed Solid Silver British ‘ARP’ (Air Raid Precaution) lapel badge with pin fitting. The silver hallmark markings denote this badge was made in 1938, and manufactured by ‘JC’ (Sir John Herbert & McCutcheon Craig), a well-known badge maker of the war years.
Excellent condition and comes with its original box of issue. King George VI badge, ‘The King's Badge’ For Loyal Service is a large silver-coloured lapel badge authorised by the United Kingdom Ministry of Pensions in the early part of the Second World War and initially issued to servicemen who, as a result of their injuries, had been discharged from active service. It was to be worn only on civilian clothing and by the end of 1941 over 8,000 had been awarded.
World War I (WW1) National Reserve ‘London’ enamel lapel badge. A gilt and blue enamel badge featuring a King's Crown. The reverse side is Register numbered 24946 and includes the maker's details J.R. Gaunt London. This particular badge was to a Royal Navy member, numbered: 579118. The National Reserve was formed prior to 1914 as a register of former service members available for home defence duties. These badges were worn to indicate enrolment in the reserve during the war effort.
World War 1 issue Railway Service badge issued by the London North Eastern Railway. Good detailed condition for the age. Stamped with the letter ‘E’ to denote Essential Worker. Companies issued badges like this so employees could prove they were in vital service and avoid being accused of shirking military service when not in uniform. The stamped with the employee number (17677) suggests it was issued to an individual worker, typical of WW1 identification badges. Made by ‘Fattorini Birmingham’ a major British manufacturer of badges, medals, and insignia during the First World War.
WW2 British ‘Royal Observer Corps’ Members Enamel Badge with Kings Crown. Very good condition and highly detailed badge. The badge features the motto "Forewarned is Forearmed" and depicts an Elizabethan coast watcher figure holding a flaming torch, scanning the horizon for potential threats. These badges were worn on the lapel of a suit or uniform and could also serve as a beret badge for observers.
Greek Commemorative Medal of the War 1940–41 (Greek: Anamnistikon Metalleion Polemou 1940–41). Very good detailed condition, and complete with ribbon. The reverse shown lists the campaign areas in Greek: ΗΠΕΙΡΟΣ – Epirus, ΑΛΒΑΝΙΑ – Albania, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΙΑ – Macedonia, ΘΡΑΚΗ – Thrace & ΚΡΗΤΗ – Crete. Awarded to Greek forces (and some Allied personnel) who served during the Greco-Italian War and subsequent campaigns of 1940–41.
Seldom seen ‘Cunliffe-Owen Aircraft Ltd’ On National Service Enamel Badge. Has some period enamel damage. Made by Fattorini & Sons Ltd, Bradford & Birmingham. Issue numbered 3594. Cunliffe-Owen Aircraft Ltd was a British aircraft manufacturer based at Eastleigh (Southampton) during the 1930s and Second World War. During the war the company was heavily involved in aircraft repair and production work for the RAF. The “ON NATIONAL SERVICE” wording indicates it was likely issued to an employee serving in a reserved occupation, meaning they were contributing to the war effort in industry rather than serving in the armed forces.
Excellent, considering this book is 110 years old! Cover binding slightly damaged in corners (see pictures) but inside excellent readable condition, with no missing pages! The War Illustrated Album De Luxe, Volume IV, The Summer Campaign 1915. The story of the Great European War told by Camera, Pen & Pencil. 1110 illustrations. Published by The Amalgamated Press Ltd. London 1916.
Kriegsdenkmünze 1914/18 des Kyffhäuserbundes (War Commemorative Medal 1914/1918 of the Kyffhäuser Union). Excellent 'un-issued' condition and complete with ribbon and packet of issue. War Commemorative Medal of the Kyffhäuser Union was instituted on June 18, 1921 by the Kyffhäuser Bund, an umbrella organisation of German veterans’ and reservists’ associations, in conjunction with the 25th jubilee of the erection of the Kyffhäuser monument (Kyffhäuser-Denkmal) in Thuringia. An obverse showed a diagonally-located war-torn banner and an inscription at the upper part: “To arms with an honour intact” (“Blank die Wehr – Rein die Ehr”) made in Gothic letters. Dates of the World War (1914-1918) were situated on the left while four lightning bolts – across the lower part of an obverse. Designer’s name in capital letters was struck at the bottom.
Scarcer enamelled version of the WW1 British ‘On War Service 1915’ Brass Lapel Badge made by J. R. Gaunt & Son Ltd, London. The enamel version of the "On War Service 1915" badge was issued to munitions workers under a government contract, while the brass version was for those working for private contractors. Personal issue number ‘14389’. These metal pin badges were worn by civilians during the First World War in order to indicate that the person wearing it was on engaged in important war-work.
Brass British Royal Army Ordnance Corp Cap Badge in very good condition.
The Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) was a corps of the British Army. At its renaming as a Royal Corps in 1918 it was both a supply and repair corps. In the supply area it had responsibility for weapons, armoured vehicles and other military equipment, ammunition and clothing and certain minor functions such as laundry, mobile baths and photography. The RAOC was also responsible for a major element of the repair of Army equipment.
'For King and Empire' Service Badge to John Simpson, numbered B292167, including copied documents on A4 paper of service etc. John Simpson served with the Army Service Corps under No. S4/044199. The group comes with a copy of his Medal Index Card and the Silver War Badge roll. He received the 1914–15 Star trio, having landed in France on 9 September 1915. The SWB roll notes his enlistment date as 16 January 1915, though it mistakenly records his number as S4/044198 rather than the correct S4/044199 found on all other documents. His attestation papers are available online, and key extracts are included with the sale. John was born in Accrington around 1877 (he was 37 years and 6 months old when he enlisted). He lived at 62 Higher Palmer Street, Blackburn, and was married to Jane Livesey. At the time, they had two children: Constance and Audrey. He was discharged on 2 September 1919 and awarded the Silver War Badge due to sickness. Records show that he re-enlisted for a further year in 1920, and the 1921 Census places him with the RASC in Mesopotamia. His attestation documents are stamped “DECEASED,” and his death is recorded between January and March 1922. The badge is in excellent condition, and there is good scope for further research.
Made by 'Sandrik' the famous maker of the 'Waffen SS' Jerrycan, the 'Rybička' (Little Fish) is a small Czech pocket knife with the handle shaped as a fish. It has been produced since the first decades of the 20th century. The knife was particularly popular during the period of socialism in Czechoslovakia. It was valued as a simple and small tool used for mushroom picking, a traditional Czech hobby. It was very popular and sold in large numbers on the Czechoslovak market.
WW2 French 'Croix de Guerre' Cross of War (Foreign Operational Theatres). Excellent condition and complete with ribbon and 2 Bronze Palms (Mentioned in Despatches: a bronze palm for those who had been mentioned at the army level), and Bronze Star (Mentioned in Despatches: a bronze star for those who had been mentioned at the regiment or brigade level). The Croix de Guerre (Cross of War) is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts.
World War 2 Finnish Lotta Svärd 10 Year Enamel Service Cross lapel badge with issue number 19468. The ‘B13H’ is the maker: Veljekset Sundqvist, a Finnish badge and insignia manufacturer. The Lotta Svärd was a Finnish voluntary women’s organization founded in 1920 to support Finland’s defence forces. It became one of the largest voluntary women’s military support organizations in the world. They performed essential non-combat duties such as: Nursing and medical care, Air raid warning and observation, Communications and radio work, supplying food and equipment and Clerical and logistics support, this freed Finnish men for frontline combat. The Lotta Svärd is highly respected in Finland. Their contribution was vital to Finland’s survival during WWII, and they are remembered as symbols of patriotism, sacrifice, and national unity.
Bespoke (non-period) HEAVY and large Black Metal Candle Holder. Swastika base can rotate for square or angled. Interesting and usable item of unknown history. Weighs approx. 6kg un-boxed. Candles NOT included. Measures approx. 50x25x25cm at its widest points.
Brass 'Auxiliary Territorial Service' Cap Badge in very good condition.
The Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) was the women's branch of the British Army during the Second World War. It was formed on 9 September 1938, initially as a women's voluntary service, and existed until 1 February 1949, when it was merged into the Women's Royal Army Corps.
German ‘Leipziger frühjahrsmesse 1930’ (Leipzig Spring Fair 1930). Nicely stamped on the back with issue number 37678. ‘Herbstmesse 1930 Beginn 31 August’ (Autumn Fair 1930 Beginning 31 August). Quality badge made by the famous maker: Steinnauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid.
British WW2 ‘Fire Watchers’ Enamel Lapel badge in good clean condition. 1940’s Blitz. Getting hard to find nowadays. These were issued to members of the civilian Fire Watch / Fire Guard organization. Their role included: Keeping lookout from rooftops or designated buildings during air raids, Spotting and reporting incendiary bombs, tackling small fires before they spread, Guiding the Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) or National Fire Service (NFS) to incidents and helping organize evacuation of buildings. Reference: ‘Doing Their Bit’ Home Front Lapel Badges 1939-1945 by Jon Mills
WW1 British ‘On War Service 1915’ Brass Lapel Badge made by J. R. Gaunt & Son Ltd, London. Personal issue number ‘3691’.These small, metal pin badges were worn by civilians during the First World War in order to indicate that the person wearing it was on engaged in important war-work. Several of these types of badges were officially produced and distributed nationally but many more were produced privately by companies for their employees.
Very nice usable phrase book, with no pages missing or pages ripped. Aging to front cover, has some pages with period hand written notes and what looks like red ink on one or two the pages. These were small sized language booklets issued to American military personnel during World War II. Printed on 13 December 1943, it contains essential Greek phrases for soldiers operating in or around Greece. The cover carries the Great Seal of the United States and is marked “RESTRICTED”, reflecting wartime security rules about sharing military documents. These phrase books were practical field tools and are now interesting historical artefacts.
World War 2 era USAF (United States Air Force) Pilots 'Camillus' folding survival machete issued to the Air Force and Navy pilots. These knives/machete's were introduced in 1942, the blade is 25.5cm with makers name on one side, black Bakelite grips. Locks open and folds, as it should. Open, measures 39cm, folded 28.5cm. This type was usually carried in the seat pack attached to the pilot’s parachute harness. Regardless of the original intent, these machetes were very popular with the American GI’s and saw lots of auction in the pacific theatre of the War.
Very small Novelty Bullet shaped Penknife made from brass. Approx. 7cm when open. Ideal for those fishing or camping emergency jobs. Very sharp.
Novelty Bullet shaped Penknife made from brass. Approx. 13cm when open. Ideal for those fishing or camping emergency jobs.