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Nautical - Marine Instruments & Tools
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Henry Browne & Son Hand Bearing Compass - Henry Browne and Son Ltd was founded in the nineteenth century and were based at Station Works, Wakering Road, Barking, Essex. They were respected British instrument makers, who made fine quality compasses, ships clocks, barometers, inclinometers, sextants and chandlery items for over 140 years; 'Sestrel' was the company Trademark. Henry Browne Ltd was sold to John Lilley & Gillie Ltd and SIRS Navigation, both UK companies, around 1975 when the marine instrument industry was being consolidated.
Identical compasses were supplied to the Royal Navy against NATO number 6605-99-527-5338 and being finished in battleship grey we speculate ours may have once served with the Royal Navy. The optical glass prism allows the user to take a sight on a distant object whilst simultaneously reading off the bearing, taken from the image of the compass card in the prism. The compass bowl is mounted on a solid teak handle with attached card holder (the card is now missing) to make notations. Unlike many of this pattern that we have seen, the compass oil remains and with no air bubbles and the compass card swings freely. Whilst we offer for sale as a collector's item we would say, subject to checks, it is good enough to go back to sea and used as intended. Alternative it would make a fine display item in a nautical or instrument collection. It would be hard to find a crisper example and offered at a fraction of the current maufacturing cost
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£68.00
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Presentation Silver Desk Calendar to illustrious Commander of Submarine L5 - A very fine example that carries an engraving to the top stating "Presented to Lieutenant Commander C. B. Allen by The Officers, Engineers & Crew of H M Submarine 5 on The Occasion of his Marriage Hong Kong 4-11-27". The piece is made from silver and carries clear manufacturing assay marks confirming it was made by Birmingham silversmiths Wilmot Manufacturing Company of Camden Street, Birmingham. This company was established in June 1912 whilst this piece is date stamped 'A' confirming it was made in 1925. A period photograph is fitted to a recess at the front, that shows both the submarine L5 and her crew.
Online research indicates Commander Conway Benning Allen D. S. O (1896-1980) attended RN College Osborne from 1909 and joined the Royal Navy in 1918. He had an illustrious Naval career, serving in two World Wars, initially in Cruiser HMS Hampshire and then Warspite through the Battle of Jutland. He was then posted to Dolphin, followed in September 1917 by an appointment to depot ship HMS Vulcan, to instruct on submarines. He then served in HMS H42 and then as First Officer to HMS K12. Allen was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1926 and was appointed Captain of HMS H34, then as Captain of HMS L5 from 1/9/1926 - 27/8/1929.
HMS L5 was built by Swan Hunter and launched on 1 September 1917and was initially based at Falmouth, Cornwall in 1918. L5 was assigned to the 4th Submarine Flotilla in 1919 and sailed to Hong Kong, arriving on 14 April 1920. She served on the China Station and was clearly serving in Hong Kong in 1927, when Lt Commander Allen was married on 4th November of that year. On 20 October 1927 off Hong Kong, L5 rescued the crew of the merchant ship SS Irene from a pirate attack after firing her deck gun. HMS L5 was sold in 1931 and broken up in Charlestown, Fife.
Allen's next appointment was as Captain of HMS Rover, a Rainbow-class submarine, whilst in 1930 he took command of surface ship HMS Rochester, a Shoreham-class sloop between January 1941 and October 1942. During Commander Allen's tenure HMS Rochester sunk by deth chages German U-Boat U204 on 19/10/1941 near Tangier. Then German U-Boat U82 was sunk north of the Azores on on 6/2/1942, again by depth charges dropped from HMS Rochester. Commander Allen was awarded the DSO, Gazetted 5th January 1943 'for gallantry for attacks on enemy submarines ', for the actions summarised above. Allen survived the War and retired from the Navy 1945, with the rank of Commander. He resided in Helson, Cornwall and died in British Columbia in July 1980. Naval careers do not come more illustrious than this and we imagine this presentation calendar would have sat on Commander Allen's desk. Whilst the calendar date does still operate it is somewhat stiff and we have treated this with respect as it nears its 100's year. We would suggest the new owner treats this as an historical artefact rather than for its original intended purpose and as a reminder of the owners illustrious career that seemed to largely revolved around submarines -both above and below the surface!
The final picture shows the medal grouping awarded to Commander Allen comprising the Distinguished Service Order dated 1943, 1914/15 Star, WWI War Medal and Victory Medals, 1939/45 Star, Atlantic Star, Defence Medal and WWII War Medal. These are illustrated for interest only and are not included in the sale as sadly not in our ownership!
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£240.00
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HMS Champion Temperature gauge - Purchased from a defunct West county Naval museum this small item of treen is made from teak recovered from HMS Champion, when she was broken up by Metal Industries of Rosyth, Scotland in 1933. HMS Champion was a C-class light cruiser of the Royal Navy that saw service during World War I. She was part of the Calliope group of the C class and Champion was commissioned into service in the Royal Navy on 20 December 1915. She was assigned to the Grand Fleet, serving as the leader of the 13th Destroyer Flotilla through to early 1919. She fought in the Battle of Jutland in 1916, during which she was also the flagship of the senior commander of the fleet's destroyers. She served on post war but was decommissioned in December 1933 and placed under dockyard control and finally sold for scrapping the following year.
This souvenir from the ship was almost certainly made by Lister Woodcrafts and we have seen a number of items made from HMS Champion salvage from garden benches to letter openers. This angular thermometer is quite unusual and the first of this type we have had in. The instrument is made by Rototherm and has a Fahrenheit scale from -20F to +140. The thermometer is working, although we cannot g'tee its accuracy although it is currently reading a toasy 68F in our office! The item measures 4.75" x 4.25" (12 cm x 11 cm) and the gauge diameter is 2 1/2" diameter (6.5 cm)
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£28.00
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Royal Navy Wooden Gun Tompion - A genuine ex Royal Navy tompion that carries in relief a Naval Crown (Latin: corona navalis) which features a gold crown surmounted with small replicas of the prows of ships. The design originated as a Roman military award, given to the first man who boarded an enemy ship during a naval engagement. In heraldry a naval crown is mounted atop the shields of coats of arms of the naval vessels and other units belonging to some navies. Tompions in the Royal Navy are made from either wood, metal, canvas, rubber, or plastic and designed to cover and prevent water or debris entering the gun barrel. Many Naval tampions have been developed into works of art but this is a more modest example, probably made up onboard the ship. It measures 4" diameter so would have been fitted to a 4" gun (10.5 cm).Made from hardwood and hand painted, it shows some signs of service use, but it remains in good original condition. A small but decorative piece of genuine Navy memorabilia and the ideal stocking filler for the upcoming festive season.
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£10.00
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Royal Marine Officers Swagger Stick - A very good WWII period example in excellent overall condition. Similar to a riding crop, they were usually carried by military personnel as a symbol of authority, much as a schoolmaster might carry his cane-see final picture attached that will bring back negative memories to many! The Royal Marine Commandos were and are essentially the sea soldiers of the Royal Navy and their motto 'Per Mare, Per Terram' means 'By Sea, By Land', a Latin phrase that symbolises the Marines dual role as an 'elite amphibious fighting force', operating both on board ships and ashore. This example features a good clean Royal Marine crest and motto to the handle that features a Kings crown;this is not hallmarked so we have assumed it is not silver. On the opposite end the ferrule and heel tip is also in equally good condition, as is the hardwood shaft, although this does exhibit a slight bend as is often the case. Sadly, we have no history with it, but it represents a good clean example that probably saw service in WWII. Measures 27" (69 cm)
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£60.00
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Sportsmariner 'Beaufort 'Pattern Lifejacket - On offer is a vintage pattern orange canvas lifejacket, complete with oral inflation tube. The jacket is of the 'Beaufort' pattern but is marked 'Sportsmariner' and was made to approved British Standard BS3595, but only when fully inflated. There are various other markings and usage instructions written on the life jacket including suitable "For adult or child over 5 years " and "This jacket has an inherent buoyancy of 13.5 lbs (6 Kilos)". It also carries an inspection panel and whilst hard to decipher, appears to show a manufacturing date of March 1974, so after nearly 50 years this one is for sale as a decorative item, a stage or theatre prop or for a 'What I was wearing when the boat went down' themed party and should not be used anywhere near water!
The jacket shows some age related marks and corrosion to two pop studs but is generally in good original condition and is complete with its original Mk II rescue whistle made by R. Perry & Co Ltd. The final photograph attached shows an original picture published in the Oxford Mail & Times newspaper, apparently taken in a Driving examiners office with the caption 'Please be sure to wear this today'. The relevance of this 50 plus years later is lost on us but enjoy the pictureabway & it made us smile! The listing here is for the lifejacket only and we have just one of these available.
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£17.00
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WWII Kriegsmarine Barograph by Lufft of Stuttgart - These instruments are becoming increasingly rare. This example was purchased by us in 2007 and has been in my personal collection these last 16 years and is only now offered for sale as I have replaced it with another slightly earlier WWI example. During our ownership it has worked faultlessly and as intended. The aluminium drum is powered by a clockwork motor, that rotates once every 7 days and provides a visual graph confirming the variations in barometric pressure over the previous week. This historic instrument is a joy to own and is a far better way of watching weather trends than listening to the TV weather forecast!
The barograph features a rotating drum and an 8-ring vacuum stack which distorts with the fluctuations in atmospheric pressure and works in the same manner as an aircraft altimeter. The articulated arm carries a pen needle on the tip and the rotating drum holds the 7-day barograph chart. The internal clockwork mechanism is fitted inside the drum and the ink recording needle and bellows are all contained within a hinged wooden case, with a fine Kriegsmarine data plate in front of the aluminium carry handle. This is riveted to the case and features an eagle with wings outstretched, an 'M' indicating Kriegsmarine Naval issue and a KM number '408'; the chromed plated brass plaque shows minor age wear to the plating. The case itself is in fine condition and with a good patina; the only minor issue is a previous owner has placed a glass or similar on the top in a couple of places that has resulted in light staining. Whilst the top could be refinished to correct this, it hardly notices when on display or in use, and is now part of the character of the instrument, that remains in fine condition, despite now being at least 80 years old.
The glazed section of the case is hinged and is locked in the closed position by securing hooks. Interestingly the inside of the instrument case carries the remains of a paper lable that appears to indicate the instrument has either been sold or serviced by the quality nautical instrument makers and retailers of Joseph Sewells of Liverpool, who were suppliers to the Admiralty ;the firm remains in business today but is no longer in family ownership. The recording drum has been hand engraved 'M1088' and '7 T' which we believe stands for '7 Trommel' in German ; trommel translates to 'drum' in English so indicates the instrument has a 7-day movement fitted. The apparent lack of manufacturers details leads us to surmise this could be a late war instrument. We have previously owned a near identical KM barograph that was made by Lufft of Stuttgart (that purported to have been owned and used by Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz but that is another story) but we have also referenced another identical instrument, illustrated in Konrad Knrim's super reference book 'German Military Timepieces', as final picture attached, that indicates this was made by Deuta-Morell of Berlin. Only today however, in taking photographs for our listing, have we discovered the truth to its origins. Engraved on the cross bar, immediately above the vacuum stack, is the single stylised word 'Lufft' so we can now finally confirm this instrument did indeed originate from the Lufft factory at Stuttgart. The company was started by Gotthilf Lufft in 1873 and of course 'Luft' in German also means 'air', so an entirely appropriate, if coincidental name, for an instrument that works on the basis of the variations in air pressure. The instrument measures 6.5" x 11"x 5.5". (16.5 x 28 cm x 14 cm.) If you require any additional information or photographs, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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£645.00
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Navigator's Parallel Rule by Bliss of New York - John Bliss (1795-1857) was born in Norwich Connecticut, trained as a silversmith and clock maker in Vermont, and began in business as a jeweller in New York around 1830. In 1834, now trading as Bliss & Creighton, he made and marketed a range of nautical instruments. The business subsequently became John Bliss & Son in 1855 and John Bliss & Co. in 1857. It remained in business until 1957 when it was acquired by West Marine.
Our parallel rules are clearly marked 'Bliss New York' and 'Nautical Instruments' so no doubts on their origin. It appears from our limited research Bliss used to make a range of instruments supplied to a variety of customers including the US Navy. Our parallel rule is a substantial size measuring 24.25" x 3.25" in the closed position (61.2 cm x 8.1 cm) and manufactured from brass with a silvered finish and with solid brass fittings. They are very solidly built weighing in at 0.8 Kilos or 1.6 Lbs. We are advised these probably date from the late 19th or early 20th century. They are in good used condition with just some minor wear to the silvering, as to be expected from an instrument that has been worked hard at sea over many years; the reverse side is again in good shape with just age related staining. Sadly we have no provenance with the instrument other than it was obtained from a source in Falmouth, Cornwall, South West England, the first major port of call after crossing the Atlantic. Instruments by this maker turn up very infrequently (this side of the pond at least). The last set we saw sold here was on E bay this spring and made £175.00. Ours represent rather better value!
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£65.00
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Genuine Coir Rope Boat Fender - On offer is a traditional style coir rope boat fender with a loop for attaching to the ships gunnel rail. These fenders are hand made using natural coir fibre rope and are often seen as the preferred option for narrow boats and boats using inland waterways. Rope fenders are handmade, being coiled and knotted to produce a thick, protective bumper, which is attached to the outside of a boat to prevent damage from impact and protect both the boats and the moorings from unnecessary knocks. Fender ropes must be strong, thick and tough and of course resistant to both fresh and saltwater damage, as boat fenders may be exposed for many years. Coir meets this requirement admirably and is often the fender of choice for classic boat owners.
Genuine coir fenders also make a super decorators item and ideal for dressing your beach hut or nautically themed room. We have just two remaining from a project and as our source has shut up shop so when they are gone they are gone. Each fender measures 16" (41 cm) from bottom to top of attachment loop and is c.3.5" (9 cm) diameter.
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£28.00
each
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United States Navy Silveware Mess Tray and Fruit Bowl - On offer is a silver soldered U. S. Navy embossed flat tray with an accompanying rope edged fruit bowl. The contents of this as shown in our photograph are for display purposes only and are not included in the sale!
When purchased we were told by the previous owner the provenance of the pieces is that they were given by an Officer serving with the US Merchant Marine to a crew member of MTB 85. Sadly the person who presented them was subsequently killed in action, after hitting a mine off Anzio beach in early 1944. Whilst we have no way of checking the authenticity of the story we have researched MTB 85 which was built by Vospers of Portchester and entered service in August 1942. Having served through WWII she was scuttled in the Mediterranean in March 1946 so the dates all hang together. If true it means these items served with both the U. S. and Royal Navies in WWII!
The flat Mess Tray is finely engraved to the centre with a fouled anchor and U. S. N. below. The edge of the tray carries a rope design. The reverse in stamped with the makers name 'R. Wallace', numbered '0679', 'Silver Soldered' and '12 IN' and 'B'. It is made of very solid metal and the plating is really very good but with the odd scratch and ding, which on the basis of its probable service use described above is understandable! The fruit bowl is of a matching design and quality with the same rope edge finish to the top lip and base but it does not carry the U. S. N. property mark. The underside of the base is engraved with a 'V', which we have been told is a manufacturing date code for 1942, the makers 'Reed & Barton', 'Silver Soldered' and is numbered '3000' with an '8' below. Condition is generally very good. As is shown in our photograph as well as being interesting collectables they are also entirely functional and are ready to serve again- be it ashore or at sea! The flat Mess Plate measures 11.75" x 8.25" (30 cm x 21 cm) and the Fruit Bowl is 8.25" diameter (21 cm) and it stands 2.5" (7 cm) high. These would make an unusual yet functional present for a USN or RN collector in your life!
Although it would be nice to keep the pair together we are happy to split and if sold individually either item is available at £45.00 plus delivery.
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£75.00
pair
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Kreigsmarine Engineer's Bevel - This instrument which is the first example we have ever seen, is extremely heavily built and while for sale as a collector's item, would undoubtedly provide many years of use as originally intended. Timber was used to affect temporary battle damage repairs to both allied and axis vessels in WWII and we would surmise this fine bevel would have been an essential part of the ship's carpenter's tool box. It is stamped Angulus which in Latin means a corner and is also the manufacturer's name, having been established at Remscheild in 1898. The bevel also carries a Waffen Ampt stamp. This is a large and heavy item, so please check postage before ordering. Folded length 23.5" (60 cm).
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£65.00
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Siebe Gorman Admiralty Issue Diving Torch NSN-6230.99-520-1611 - Siebe Gorman & Co Ltd, arguably they most famous name in diving, have manufactured hand-held battery powered submarine electric torches for divers and the British Ministry of Defence since the 1920's. We have sold countless examples over the years but these have been exclusively the type most commonly found, normally with a chrome leather wrist-strap which is sewn on, with a bulls eye lens and four metal 'prongs' to protect the glass lens.
On this occasion we have been fortunate to secure a much rarer variant torch with 'Slide switch'. These were manufactured by Siebe Gorman between 1967-1969 and weigh in at a hefty 1.8 kilos or 4 lbs without batteries fitted. Made from high quality brass with an electroplated (either chrome or nickel) finish for added protection against corrosion. Our torch carries much of the original silvered exterior coating but it does show wear in the places you would expect, commensurate with service use. It is clearly stamped with the all important makers name Siebe Gorman and below the NATO stock number NSN-6230.99-520-1611 and below it is dated 1968. As all serious torch collectors will know the 5th & 6th paired numbers of the N-S-N sequence (called the 2-digit NCB) refers to the country of manufacture. For the UK the number, as here, is 99.
This torch supersedes the previous design and improves on it. A large separate 'O'-ring seals the lens housing; the batteries are isolated in a grey painted and non-conductive inner metal tube, and is complete with a conical compression spring at the end of the battery housing to lock three 'D-size', 1.5 volt dry cell batteries in place. These would give a maximum burn time of 1 to 2 hours. The torch is not fitted with batteries and we can't warrant if it is still in working order so for sale purely as a collectable. The rugged, simple construction of all Siebe Gorman Military issue torches enables them to operate within the depth parameters of most normal Royal Navy diving limits and is safe to operate down to 80 meters. Unlike on later torches it does not carry a wrist strap but there is a lanyard hole on the curved metal end plate which is stamped on this torch with an 'X' which we speculate is a Royal Navy quality acceptance mark. The torch measures 11" long (28 cm) and the diameter of the lens end is 3.25" (8.5 cm) It weights a hefty 4.0lbs without batteries (1.8 kilos)
As with all our stock feel free to drop us a mail and request further photographs so you can check out the detail and specification.
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Royal Navy Napkin Rings - A set of 7 matching napkin or serviette rings, manufactured by George Walker of Sheffield, a business established in Sheffield in 1845. He was joined by Henry Hall and in 1853 to form Walker & Hall. In 1963 they amalgamated into The British Silverware Ltd. together with Mappin & Webb and Elkington & Co. Our rings carry the company logo of W & H set into a pennant and in addition they are all marked KF18008 and are are dated either 1956 or 1957 together with a broad arrow military property mark. George Walker also manufactured napkin rings for the RAF but in this instance with the decorative naval design to the rims we feel almost certainly these were destined for their Lords at the Admiralty 60 odd years ago. Another desirable feature is four of the seven rings carry additional marks '26', '3', 'K5', K69' which we presume would have identified the original owner. The other three are 'Plain Janes' -or is that another expression in our PC world we are no longer supposed to use? I use it anyway, with apologies to any 'Jane's' reading this listing and I hope you know where we are coming from!
These are quality rings and the plating is all absolutely sound and whilst they would sit happily in a nautical or Royal Naval collection we see no reason why they should not continue to serve in their intended role for those special Mess Nights you may hold either ashore or afloat! Each measures 1.75" internal diameter (4.5 cm)
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Junghan's Radio Room Clock WWII - Another interesting ships clock we are listing today. This pattern was in use from 1939-1945 and served with both Kriegsmarine and Civilian vessels of the period. We have also seen similar examples issued to and used by the Bundeswehr post WWII but our understanding is these tended to be chrome plated whilst this example carries a brass case. We have found an identical example detailed in Ziggy Wesolowdki's excellent reference book on Military Timepieces and also in volume 3 of the book 'Kriegsmarine Uniforms and Traditions'.
Whilst we have not looked inside the case we are told the movement is a Junghan's W146. The silvered dial is not in the best condition but we can decipher the Junghan's star logo below the 12 o'clock position. In addition we can just make out the remains of the green and red diagonal radio silence bars that would have originally have run in the vertical and horizontal positions signifying 3 minute zones when the radio operator would have observed radio silence in case any May Day calls were being broadcasted. The numerals have also become worn and have been touched in by a previous owner. We can find no evidence of a Kriegsmaine property mark being added and whilst this may have been rubbed out we believe this clock was issued to a Civilian vessel in which case this would have been omitted.
When purchased the seller made no mention of any provenance with this clock. However on close inspection we discovered scratched on the back some old and quite crude letter reading 'Franken'. Whilst our research has located a U boat commander, Wilhelm Franken of U- 565 we believe it more likely this clock served on an auxiliary ship of the Kriegsmarine known as a Troßschiffverb. Since Germany in WWII did not have any overseas bases, naval operations in the North Atlantic required supply ships and tankers called "Troßschiffe". In addition to using former civilian tankers five supply ships, the Dithmarschen class, were built to service warships with fuel, ammunition, general supplies and spare parts. The 'Franken' was one of these and was commissioned in March 1943 and operated in the Baltic Sea, where it supplied the Prinz Eugen and other smaller ships of the German Navy in the last months of the war. She was blown apart and sunk near Hela in April 1945 by the Russian Airforce.
If our clock served on the 'Franken' it had clearly been removed, perhaps for repair, before she was lost. Certainly the age and model of this timepiece all lines up exactly although we have found the same specification also being used in the radio room of U boats, as confirmed by that on the U- 995 which still exists. Whatever the provenance it is a fine and increasingly scarce example of the type that could perhaps be improved if a donor dial could be located or the existing one tidied up a little. It is ticking away happily in our office but as we have no idea when the movement was last checked a service would probably not go amiss. As with all our stock more detailed pictures are available on request. Measured on the back plate the diameter is 7.9" (20.0 cm) and is 3.4" deep (8.5 cm). The brass case has three strong brass lugs for bulkhead mounting.
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Kriegsmarine Protractor - A very large instrument manufactured by Dennert & Pape of Hamburg-Altona and also stamped with a waffenampt and the code M 1V/1. Constructed from hardwood (possibly beach) with a scale from zero to 180 degrees on the curved section and 0-50 cm along the base. In generally very good issued condition with minor expansion in the timber at the joints. We would assume the instrument would have been used either at H. Q. for training purposes in the classroom or possibly for a crew briefing prior to an operation. We have only ever seen one other example and would represent an unusual addition to the specialist Kriegsmarine, Nautical or instrument collection. 19.75"x20.5"x10.75" (50 cm x 27 cm)
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Barker's of Kensington Ships Clock - Barkers of Kensington was a department store in Kensington High Street, London. It was started by John Barker and James Whitehead, later Lord Mayor of London, in 1870. It was sold to House of Fraser in 1957 and was closed in 2006. This fine brass cased clock was clearly made for Barker's and marketed by them, probably in the 1930's.
It features a 7 day movement and the standard advance and retard lever mounted at the 12 O'clock position. The silvered dial is generally very good good with just the odd age related mark ; it is 6 1/2" diameter (16 cm) and it the timepiece is 3.5" deep (9 cm) measured from the bulkhead mounting plate. It features a heavy cast brass bezel ring with black painted steel hour and minute hands with a smaller seconds subsidiary dial above. A label to the back of the case indicates it was last serviced in 2010 ; whilst we have not checked the movement it has been running perfectly in the time it has been with us but the new owner may wish to have it oiled and checked.
A fine quality clock from a famous London retailer that would be happy to either go back to sea or to make a real statement on your kitchen or bathroom wall!
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Royal Navy Ditty Box and WWII Medal Group - We always try and buy good Royal Navy Ditty boxes when they turn up but in the main their provenance has been lost down the years. If we are lucky it may have a brass name plate fitted and occasionally they come with some of their original contents ; this example is one of those.
This Ditty Box is to standard form and size and made from pine which has been lightly waxed. Inside the pen tray remains in place but the letter bars in the lid were missing so we have replaced these and it would be hard to tell these were not the issue items. To the front panel evidence exists to show where an original name plaque was mounted, just below the key hole. It would seem this was replaced by a custom made silvered example mounted in a recessed slot in the front top of the lid ; this is named to A. L. Clarke. The key was missing when purchased, as are the lock clasp locating lugs on the inside lid. We suspect this was removed when the key was lost and the lugs cut to gain access, as often seems to have happened with these items. The brass lock is still fitted although in a locked position. We have added a period key which fits the lock but does not operate it but is fine for display purposes.
Inside the box is lightly stained and shows signs of use with minor repairs to the rear of the lid. What lifts this example well above the norm is that the box contains the original owners World War 11 medal grouping. These are mounted as worn with pin attachment to the medal bar and are made up of the 1939-45 Star, the Atlantic Star which was awarded to all Royal Navy and Merchant Navy Personnel for 6 months service afloat between 1939-45 in Atlantic, Russian or home waters. The Rosette indicates the recipient was subsequently awarded the France and Germany Star for service in these areas between 6 June 1944 and 8 May 1945. This is also accompanied by the 1939-45 War Medal. These are all as usual unnamed and as issued.
What brings the grouping to life is A. L. Clarke clearly also served in the Special Constabulary and was awarded the Special Constabulary Long Service Medal. This was awarded to all ranks who served at least 50 duties in wartime or 9 years service in peacetime. This medal is engraved to Arthur L. Clarke so ties in nicely with the ditty box plaque and confirms the two items belong together and we believe this is how they should remain. We don't have any other history on Clarke other than the grouping was purchased near Bristol in South West England and we speculate the family may have had West Country origins. It may well be possible with the little information that is known the trace the service history of Mr Clarke but we will leave this pleasure to a future owner although if any armchair detectives can add anything here we would be delighted to add additional details to our listing. We understand Ditty Boxes were technically withdrawn as an issue item in 1938 and replaced by a small brown suitcase so it could be Clarke joined up before WWII seeing had a prewar Ditty Box despite being technically withdrawn he continued to use it during his wartime service. Box measures 12" x 8"x 6" (30.5 cm x 20.5 cm x 15 cm) Like all items listed on our site a full range of detailed photographs are available on request.
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Presentation Hip Flask HMS Nile 1945 - A WWII period Royal Navy hip flask fitted with a secured cap to prevent accidental loss on land or at sea! HMS Nile was a 'Stone Frigate' shore base opened in April 1939 and paid off in June 1946 and located at Ras el Tin Point, Alexandria, Egypt and had a large number of personnel on the books, mainly those based in the Eastern Mediterranean. Research indicates Nile was amongst other things a location for Special Forces Ops and in addition we found RAF Aboukir is listed as 'HMS Nile II', based at the old Airport near Alexandria and was used by both the RAF and the Fleet Air Arm.
The flask is of the curved design to fit comfortably in a hip pocket and is made from brass with a silver plated finish. Engraved to the front is 'From F. M. O. Staff HMS Nile 1945'. Sadly no history came with the flask and we can only speculate on the meaning of 'F. M. O. ' but at a guess perhaps 'Fleet Maintenance Officer', 'Fleet Medical Officer' or even 'Fleet Mail Office'! If any visitors to the site can enlighten us on this we will update our listing. We presume it was given to a member of staff as a leaving present back in '45. Generally in good used condition, with a couple of little bumps to front and small wear to plate on base but otherwise we believe good for original purpose. The presentation engraving aside the flask carries no other makers or other marks. This would make a unique Christmas present for anyone who had relations serving with 'HMS Nile ' back in WWII and certainly not an item to be found elsewhere on the web! Measures 5" x3.5" (13 cm x 9.5 cm).
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A Pair of Admiralty Standard Sealed SampleThread Bundles dated 1897 - These unique items are Admiralty Pattern sealed samples to confirm the thread specification to be used on Royal Naval contracts. The labels, showing some age wear, are still readable and carry a wax admiralty seal with fouled anchor to both sides, as well as an instruction "this label is not be removed nor the pattern damaged" and below CP 7365 and clearly dated 1897. A manufacturer's ticket is slipped through the thread of one bundle naming the manufacturer W J Knox Kilbirnie. The firm of W J Knox established their business in 1778 and are still operating from their factory in Ayrshire, making camouflage nets and marine signal equipment and are still supplying the Royal Navy 123 years after these sample were sealed.
Sealed samples were used in Government contracts to check the factory bulk production matched exactly the specification of the sealed sample so was critical in maintaining quality standards. These are absolutely unique pieces and are of historical interest and really deserve to be in a museum collection. Better still of course would be for W. J. Knox to purchase and to go on public display in a factory museum!
These have been in our personal collection since 2001 but it is now finally times to rehome the pair so grab them whilst you can! Each bundle measures 7" (17 cm)
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Presentation Silver Astray HMSVictory - A solid silver example with good clear hallmarks confirming made by the silversmiths Joseph Gloster Ltd who operated from the Lion Silver Works, Hockley Hill, Birmingham. As well as the makers marks it carries an anchor indicating a Birmingham maker and a date code letter Y for 1923. The centre of the ashtray is finely engraved : 'Lt R. Coombs R. N. In Great Appreciation 1922-24 From Lt Cdr (G) HMS Victory'. Victory of course needs no introduction being a 104-gun first-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy launched in 1765. She is best known for her role as Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805. After Cape St Vincent she was relegated to the role of harbour ship and in 1922, she was moved to a dry dock at Portsmouth, to be preserved. Since October 2012 she has been the flagship of the First Sea Lord and has the distinction of being the world's oldest naval ship still in commission, currently with 241 years' service and counting!
We assume Lieutenant R. Coombs R. N. served on Victory from 1922-24 and was presented with this ashtray as a gift from his fellow Officers and his Commander on his re assignment. Sadly we have no other history with the item but it is worthy of further research. The ashtray shows signs of use but remains in fine original condition, the silver retains a good shine and the presentation engraving and hallmarks are crisp and readable. This would make an excellent stocking filler for the Naval collector in your life and a super bit of history with its direct associations with the most famous vessel in the Royal Navy! Measures 3.75" (9.5 cm)
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Sestrel Marine Barometer - A good original example manufactured by Henry Browne and Son Ltd, of Barking, London. Henry Browne was born in Lewis, Sussex in 1842 and died in Barking in 1935. His company became a well-respected English instrument maker, manufacturing and selling fine quality compasses, ship's clocks, inclinometers, sextants, and barometers for over 140 years and the Trade Mark brand 'Sestrel' was used on all their equipment. The company experienced boom conditions the 1970s but collapsed in the 1980s due to the popularity of cheaper plastic compasses over traditional brass ones.
Our aneroid barometer has a good clear dial which as well as the brand name is marked 'Compensated' meaning it is compensated for temperature variations. Below it is marked 'm. m. Hg' together with 'English Made Marine Barometer'. Barometric pressure is sometimes reported in inches (in/Hg) or millimetres of mercury (mmHg). In this case the scale is calibrated on the outer scale from 950 to 1050 Millibars and on the inner is marked from 71-79 millimetres of mercury. The tell-tale marker is in place and rotates to mark the pressure when recordings are taken.
The case is made from solid brass and shows signs of minor age related wear but it remains in excellent overall condition. Measured on the back rim is 8" or 20 cm whilst the glass diameter is 6" or 15 cm ; it depth is 3 1/2 or 9 cm. The back plate is drilled for bulkhead mounting for use on board ship but is entirely appropriate serving ashore and is a perfect size being neither too small or too big. We currently have it on test here on the office wall and it is recording well the current changes in barometric pressure.
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Ships Clock ex S. S. William Pearman - Another fine marine clock which we are listing today, made by the quality marine instrument maker James Morton Ltd of Sunderland. This company was established by James Morton who was born in 1856 and with the local shipbuilding business close by benefitted from their trade, supplying instruments, binnacles, telescopes and of course quality timepieces. This example is very heavily built and is designed for bulkhead mounting. What makes it particularly interesting it has a riveted plaque to the heavy brass bezel which reads 'S. S. William Pearman 1941-1961'.
We have been able to trace the vessel against nos 168275 and she was a single screw coaster collier of 1,552 tons, built at Burntisland Shipbuilding Company, founded in Scotland in 1918. The keel laid in 1941, she was launched in 1942 and owned by the British Electrical Authority, which subsequently became the CEGB in 1954. The LPC had its own fleet of coastal colliers to deliver coal to its power stations. Several were flatiron ships, built with low-profile superstructures and fold-down funnel and masts to pass under bridges upriver from Tower Bridge on the River Thames to reach Battersea. The William Pearman was one such vessel. The ships built for the LPC were each named after a person, several of whom were very prominent in the history of electrical engineering. The vessel was finally scrapped and broken up in Sunderland in 1961.
Our clock has an attractive rectangular bezel made from solid cast brass that gives it an essentially deco look and the glass is nicely bevelled. The silvered dial carries Roman numerals and is signed to the maker James Morton in two places. It carries the normal fast/slow adjuster and beside an elaborate 'F' and 'S' either side; the clock does not have a second hand. As mentioned it was clearly bulkhead mounted when fitted on board and whilst it can be displayed without a mount it would be possible to mount within an appropriate aperture or even a cut out in a stud partition wall. The bezel measures 8.5" x 6.75" and the clock is 3.5" deep (21 cm x 17.5 cm x 9 cm).It weighs a substantial 3.1 kilos and was clearly an expensive timepiece in its day. It is ticking away happily on our office wall but we have no idea when it was last serviced and it may be worth the new owner having the mechanism checked.
Whilst most ships clocks we get in have a story to tell these have been mainly lost down the years. We have no such issues knowing where and when this one was made and where it served! The original ships bell from the SS William Pearman was recently sold at auction and it would be great if our clock could be reunited with it and this could be arranged if the new owner would like to get in touch!
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Royal Navy Rum Pump - Made from copper and brass with a hardwood handle. These were in use with the British Royal Navy from the 19th century onwards to draw the daily rum ration from the keg for distribution to all hands. This tradition was finally abandoned with the last tot being issued to the fleet being issued on 31st July, 1970 - a tradition started in 1667. These pumps were specified against Royal Navy stores reference number 53598 although normally they carried neither identification marks or dates to give us any clues to age or origins. This example is however the exception and above the spout is clearly stamped into the bowl '53598'. We have sold numerous examples over the last 15 years but this is the only one we have ever had that exhibits the stores reference number. In discussing this with a top Royal Navy rum related collector he has confirmed he has only ever seen one similar and the 5 digit number is known as a ' vocab number' and appeared from early fifties until the navy changed over to NATO coding in the early 1960's.
This pump is in generally good issued condition but it has the odd knock and dent in the bowl, commensurate with service use with the Royal Navy. The syphon mechanism is still in place and appears complete but like all our stock is for sale as a collectable/display item only as we cannot guarantee it's original function! The underside of the handle shows wear on the hardwood consistent with significant use where the handle has rubbed against the bowl of the pump.
A museum quality item and a piece of Royal Naval history and with no more ever to be manufactured an increasingly scarce item. So grab this one while you have the opportunity! The last one of these we saw sold on UK E Bay went for £275.00 but we can offers our scarcer variant at a rather keener price. Feel free to request, with no commitment, more detailed photographs that are available here on request. Measures 41" (104 cm).
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Brass Head Boat hook - An attractive original example, we estimate dating to the mid 20th centuary, with a cast double hook tip. The metal has a most attractive patina and we can't decide if this is brass or bronze. This is held in place on the hardwood pole by a heavy bolt. Whilst for sale as a collectable, like all out stock, it is a very solid heavily made item and we see no reason why it should not be used for its original purpose, if you are fortunate enough to own an appropriate classic boat. The pole and hook measure 62" (158 cm) and the width of the hook is 4.25" (11 cm).
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Original Canoe Paddle - A small but beautifully formed canoe paddle made from varnished pine and finished with a light wax polish. Seeing its diminutive size of just 36" (92 cm) this would make ideal wall decoration in a nautically themed room, beach hut or similar. It has a repaired crack in the paddle blade so for sale for ornamental purposes only but is the perfect designer piece, at a modest price
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Admiralty Standard Thread Bundle dated 1897 - This unique item is a sealed sample to confirm the thread specification to be used on Royal Naval contracts. The label, showing some age wear, is still readable and carries a wax admiralty seal with fouled anchor to both sides, as well as an instruction quotation "this label is not be removed nor the pattern damaged" and below CP 7365 and clearly dated 1897. A manufacturer's ticket is slipped through the thread W J Knox Kilbirnie N.B. The firm of W J Knox established their business in 1778 and are still operating from their factory in Ayrshire, making camouflage nets and marine signal equipment and are still supplying the Royal Navy 118 years after this sample was sealed. This has been in our personal collection for some years but is now offered for sale for the first time. 7" (17 cm)
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Early glass fishing float embossed 'P.C.F' - On offer is a very attractive and original glass fishing float in near perfect condition. Whilst we can't pretend these floats are our specialist subject online research indicates this example could be of either Norwegian or German origin. One source indicates the initials represent Peter Christian Falchenberg who was born in 1854 in Kragerø, Norway. In 1876 he established a chandlery in the Norwegian city of Grimstad but in 1898 it relocated to Oslo. The company's business involved supplying ropes and cables for marine use as well as special fishing products including glass floats.
Another website advises '+P.C.F+' marked floats are of German origin, and made by a company called Heye Glass. The rationale for this surmise is the "+P.C.F+" marked glass floats feature the same manufacturing detail, thickness and colour as the Heye produced clover marked floats;whist we prefer the first theory we leave it to our visitors to decide which is correct! Whatever its origins this float is manufactured in a dark green glass and appears to be blown from a single piece. The PCF logo is crisp and well defined, with + marks above and below. The float measures about, 4.5" diameter (11.5 cm)
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HMS Vernon Ward Room Presentation Silver Napkin Ring - Another super item we bought at auction in 2005 but was subsequently mislaid in our stock room, but which has finally seen the light of day, together with a number of other assorted items that came in the mixed lot.
This napkin ring, made in Sheffield in 1905 carries makers marks to H.A. signifying the maker was Atkins Brothers of Sheffield, a business that traces its origins to Thomas Law, a silversmith active in Sheffield from 1750 until 1775.
The front of the ring is engraved 'W.R. Officers' an '8' and below HMSVernon ; W.R. identifies this ring was for use in the Ward Room Officers Mess. On the reverse is a presentation engraving 'From E.C.B.' We assume the individual with these initials presented the ring to the Ward Room Officers Mess of HMS Vernon sometime around 1905. The inside of the ring is named to S.Lanyon, 4 Ordinance Row, Portsmouth so we assume this was the supplier. In addition scratched in the silver is number P22194. We have identified a similarly marked ring is held in the Imperial War Museums London collection.
HMS Vernon was a shore establishment or "stone frigate" of the Royal Navy. Vernon was established on 26th April 1876 as the Royal Navy's Torpedo Branch and was named after the ship HMS Vernon which served as part of its floating base. After the First World War, HMS Vernon moved ashore, taking over the Gunwharf site, where it continued to operate until 1st April 1996. The ring shows minor service wear but seeing it is well over 100 years old it is in amazing condition and would provide an ideal stocking filler for the Royal Naval collector in your life.
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Alldays & Onion Bellows Fog Horn - A superb example used as a mobile fog horn on vessels at sea from the late 1800's. The firm of Alldays & Onion of Birmingham was formed in 1889 and subsequently went on to work in the motor industry. A scarce and decorative marine antique, they were amazingly used by the Royal Navy up until WWII. Whilst Bargain Hunt was filming on our stand at a fair, host David Dickinson told us he had never encountered one before and proceeded to film a similar example for the show. The instrument is made from elm and leather whilst the trumpet is brass. Interestingly, the elm carries Welsh script which we will endeavour to have translated and will add to our description. While for sale as a decorative item, it still has a good voice despite dating from the 19th century!
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Lord High Admiral of Great Britain Original Desk Seal with Royal Associations - If only this one could talk! We have just purchased this seal from a private collector here in the West Country, South West England. Whilst looking like a fairly well used and mundane desk seal we have deciphered the Latin inscription of the seal which reads :- 'SIGIL:OFFI:MAG:ADMIR:MAG:BR & C' and enclosed within is the fouled anchor device of the British Royal Navy. In translation the wording reads:- 'The Seal of the Lord High Admiral of Great Britain'. Further detective work indicates this office of state dates back to 1405 and the Lord High Admiral of England, Great Britain and then the United Kingdom is the titular head of the Royal Navy. Most holders have been courtiers or members of the Royal Family and include the Duke of York, Charles11, King James 11 and Queen Anne. The incumbents were mainly not professional Naval officers and the office of Lord High Admiral remains one of the nine English Great Officers of State. The position has remained extant until finally abolished in 1964 when the functions of the Admiralty were transferred to the Secretary of State for Defence and the ancient title of Lord High Admiral was transferred to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11. The Queen held the title for 47 years up until 2011 when she conferred the office upon her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, as part of the celebrations for his 90th birthday and he remains the current holder. The Queen chose this title to honour her husband with as he served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, and gave up a promising naval career to support her as consort.
The seal handle is made from an ebonised hardwood and judging from the wear it has had significant usage during its working life, that just adds to its charm. The metal seal remains in perfect condition and is not worn and would work today as well as it has done during a long service life. We would estimate it dates from the first half of the 20th century. Sadly its significant history has been lost down the years but it is probably safe to speculate this modest item has served to seal documents of state over many years and could well have spent its working life at Buckingham Place; we can almost smell the distinctive aroma of hot red sealing wax here in the Oldnautibits HQ today! Certainly a one off item and we are unlikely to ever find another. With a clear connection to the British Royal Family grab it whilst you can! Measures 3.75" (9.5 cm)
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WWII Childs Kapok Flotation Device - This is most certainly a first for us! Whilst clearly stamped to the front 'Child' looking at its diminutive size one almost feels 'baby' would have been a more accurate description! Below is stamped in ink 'MT' and a Kings Crown ; we believe this refers to the Ministry of Transport which was formed in 1941 when it merged with the Ministry of Shipping with responsibility for sea transport. A further stamp appears to read A.M, and is dated of August 22nd 1945 (although could be'49) and finally 'Sunderland'. Whilst only speculation could this have been a vest taken on charge by the Air Ministry for use flying civilian passengers on Sunderland flying boats?Alternatively it could simply have originated from the port town of Sunderland. The back kapok pad carries the logo of a lifebelt and in the centre is marked 'Reverse'.
The condition of the vest is what we would described in designer terms as 'shabby chic', with water stains and storage marks but is in generally good display condition. It remains a bit of an enigma but it almost certainly has a story to tell if only it could talk. If any visitors to the site can enlighten us a little more with it's background please get in touch and we can add to our description. This would make a perfect stage or film prop and an ideal accessory if TV's 'Call the Midwife' ever need to take their young charges to sea!
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