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Britain and Scotland
Page 4
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Plaid Badge of the Highland Light Infantry (Item BRITSCOT 4-1) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This great plaid badge of the HLI dates about from early times according to the battle honors that go all around the edges such as Waterloo, Egypt, Pyrenees, Alma, Indostan, Vittoria, Peninsula. There are 30 battle honors running around it, but none seem as late as WWI. So it could well be assumed that this brooch could be much earlier. It’s constructed with a three-piece method with the badge being the last applied section. We’ll not go into the history of this elite Scottish regiment since so much can be found on the net. They are the most-celebrated regiment of foot in the British army. We will say that the name Highland Light Infantry evolved after it was adopted by the 71st Highlanders in 1809 as the first clan regiment at the outbreak of the American War of Independence. Later, in 1881, the 71st and 74th regiments of foot were redesignated as the 1st and 2nd Battalions, respectively, of the Highland Light Infantry. Do see our dress dirk of the 74th Highland Regiment at Item BRITSCOT 2-10. The brooch is massive measuring 4 inches in diameter. It’s heavy and probably silver-plated bronze. It has what looks like handmade nut fasteners that secure the front plate to the back plate. A strong pin is attached for fastening the brooch to the usually quite thick plaid of the uniform. All in all this is a very beautiful piece of Highland Scottish military gear. It’s probably quite rare, but certainly important to the glory that is and was Scotland the brave!
PRICE: $580.00; very reasonable |
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RAF Chaplain’s Wings (Item BRITSCOT 4-2) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a rare piece as RAF insignia go. It is a special wing for chaplains of the service. Possibly, the parson who wore this might have been one of those men of God who blessed the bomber crews who set out on the 13th & 14th of 1945 to bomb the nonmilitary or industrial city of Dresden. This terror bombing was ordered by Churchill and carried out by “bomber” Arthur Harris. The city was called the Florence on the Elbe and was one of the greatest cultural landmarks in the worlds. The victorious allies destroyed 80 percent of the city with the dead counted at various figures up to 135,000. There were so many refugees in the city that the real figure will almost certainly never be known. Why? The most plausible theory is the murderous terror raids were carried out to demonstrate to the Russians and Stalin the awesome power of the allies and to act as a warning to them not to stray from the agreements that the had made at the war conferences. An internal RAF memo spreads some light on the reason for the bombing. Go to the bombing of Dresden on the history learning site on Google to see this RAF memo. So, dear reader, the RAF actually had a chaplain corps and no doubt the pious reverends did in fact bless those bombs, bombers, and crew who set out on this famed, infamous mission. But prayers for the success of the raids certainly were not welcomed by the God that I know. There is, however, another entity (a deity) who no doubt appreciated it and has bomber Arthur Harris as his permanent guest down there.
PRICE: $125.00; money not well spent |
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16th Lancer Helmet (Victorian-era Shapka) (Item BRITSCOT 4-3) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This elite British cavalry unit was formed in 1759 by Colonel Burgoyne. The 16th “Queen’s Lancers” has many distinguished battle honors such as Afghanistan, Waterloo, and Salamanca. It's nicknamed the “Red Lancers” because it was the only Lancer Regiment that wore a scarlet tunic. This other-ranks helmet is a fine piece of Imperial headgear, probably dating around the turn of the century—1902 or earlier. It bears the St. Edwards crown at the top of the helmet and plaque putting it after the Victorian period. The actual St. Edward Crown is the one used to crown a monarch at the coronation service. The Shapka helmet remained virtually unchanged through the various periods of British military history. The same style headgear was seen in the Charge of the Light Brigade in the Crimean War to the mustering up on the cavalry troops on the eve of the First World War. The history of this regiment is fascinating and can be seen by doing a search on Google. The helmet is in really great condition, and amazingly it still has the pom-pom device and a full, black-horsehair rush. The chinstrap—usually missing—is also intact and it has the full, silky liner. There is a set of initials written inside with the date of ‘1900.’ This is just about as fine an example we have ever seen in many fine private collection and in museums. This is a real find indeed!
PRICE: $2,500.00; very reasonable |
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Pilot Helmet and Goggles (Item BRITSCOT 4-4) |
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| DESCRIPTION: We are not sure of the period of this set; it might be WWII. It is in great condition and perfect for playing “Snoopy and the Red Baron”. Wish we knew more but that is it unfortunately. We do know it is well made and genuine military.
PRICE: $185 the set. |
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 Ram rod extended |
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 Hall mark |
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 Butt cap marked from nailing up notices. |
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Scottish Percussion Pistol with All Steel Frame (Item BRITSCOT 4-5) |
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DESCRIPTION: This is a quite unusual Scottish steel pistol by the famous firm of John Dixon and Son of Edinburgh. Dixon guns are some of the most sought after rifles and pistols today. Dixon was an inventive maker producing many variations on a theme. This pistol is only typically Scottish in that it has the all steel frame and the octagon Barrel. We believe it was a holster pistol made most likely for Scottish Police Constables or detectives. Unlike most Scottish pistols of the 17th and 18th centuries this weapon does not have the long belt hook that is usually found on fine Scottish pistols -- flintlock or percussion.
It is generally smaller as well measuring about 9 inches from the end of the barrel to the back of the grip. It is nicely engraved with a floral pattern over the lock sides, hammer, butt, and trigger guard. The top of the barrel has the name John Dixon and Son Edinburgh. This prestigious firm was located in Princess Street, Edinburgh, Scotland and they turned out fine firearms from 1894 to 1929.
The way this pistol fits into the hand is just different and great. It rather “cuddles” the hand and the fingers. Straddle the trigger guard. The ram-rod is quite innovative in that it pulls forward and stays literally attached to the gun with a hinge that is placed underneath the barrel. So here is a typical but non-typical Scottish pistol by one of the best known of the Scots arms maker. Extremely rare but priced very reasonably. |
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 Captain Cole, Royal Navy |
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 Note missing silver |
 Old replacements |
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 Note slight patching |
 Slight patching |
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 "Captain" |
 "Cole, RN" |
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A Beautiful French Hunting Cutlass Captured in Battle |
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DESCRIPTION: This is a wonderful museum piece (personified!). It is a French hunting sword that is ivory and silver mounted, possibly dating back to the 17th century but could be as late as 1750. This weapon was captured by Captain Sir Christopher Cole of the British Royal Navy. Captain Cole was the skipper of the famed HMS Caroline and the Rippon, a 36 gun frigate in service against the French and earlier against the Dutch. The internet is replete with the adventures of Captain Sir Christopher Cole so we will not explore his illustrious career here at this time. He served as a Member of Parliament after his life of high adventures on the sea had ended. He had also served in the rank of Colonel in the Royal Marines. He was invested as a Knight Commander (Order of the Bath) (KCB) in 1814. The sword or hunting weapon that we offer was captured from a French Captain during Captain Cole's many daring sea engagements. The style of hunting sword is longer than the usual and quite fancy indeed. Why would a French Captain be armed with a hunting sword instead of a naval sword? This is a speculative question but it can be supposed that it was a family heirloom and probably from a family of aristocracy as this weapon was obviously made by a swordsmith of the ‘master craft.’ The beauty of it is obvious. And please pay attention to the standing Turk on the blade that is commenserate with the memory of Prince Eugene of Savoy who defeated the Turks at the Battle of Vienna. Prince Eugene was born in Paris and was a hereditary Prince of the Royal House of Savoy. The French had a love/hate relationship with the Turks and Muslims, using them as allies from time to time but also fighting them in other eras. But many of the weapons of Austrians, Hungarians and the French often depict a fierce Turk in the blades of especially these styles of hunting weapons. The shape and style of the sword is very Islamic looking and this was favored by the French noble classes. We earnestly believe the French Captain who surrendered to Captain Cole was of French gentry at least, and Capt Cole treasured the sword enough that he had his name and R.N. (Royal Navy) engraved under the cross guard. (Shown in our pictures). We also believe this to be more than likely a mid-17th century sword (maybe 1650 or so.) It is of sword length -- 31" long in its scabbard. The beautiful silver decorative plaques that lie upon the gorgeous ivory grips stand out boldly. The silver fittings on the scabbard are at some places repaired with silver overlay -- the scars of battle? Probably! The blade is about 21 ½" long and except for some old antiqued rust spots, it is quite excellent for its age and past usage. It would be rated as (museum grade excellent) and for a weapon of this age to have its leather and wood scabbard still there and fine is the incredible Ivory grip, but it has the minute age cracks to be expected on a weapon as old as this one. Back to the blade... it has about 8 engraved pictographs including the Turk. Some of the engraved parts at the base of the blade where it meets the cross guard are quite worn indicating that it was drawn often and used possibly through the many years. This was not the weapon of any peasant or even a lower class noble; it was surely the property of a highly placed Royal personage or at least fabulously wealthy landed gentry. It’s a superlative weapon worthy of display in the finest museum or very advanced collection. We have handled many fine pieces at Germania but this one is worthy of bragging about. A sword of elegant beauty but also it has the distinction of having belonged to a French officer and an illustrious British sea-going Knight of the Bath and M.P. Fantastic! PRICE: $9.500.00 |
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 Hooray for war! |
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 Gas warfare |
 Why do Scots fight for England? |
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“Covenants with Death” Edited by T.A. Innes & Ivor Castle |
DESCRIPTION: This book was published by the Daily Express Publication’s in London in 1934. It was a sensible compelling pictorial book that warns the public about entering another war (WW II). The first words in it are: “We have made a covenant with death, and with Hell are we in agreement. Isaiah XXV-15." The editors go on to say, “The purpose of this book is to reveal the horror, suffering and essential bestiality of modern war and with that revelation, to warn the nation against the peril of foreign entanglements that must lead Britain to a new Armageddon – all the pictures are taken from authentic photos.” The book contains hundreds of pictures of war and mayhem. Suffering of civilians, murderous battles and innocent victims the deaths in horrible circumstance of the young soldiers on all sides. Pictures galore of dead men strewn all over the so-called Fields of Glory, front line execution, torture inflicted in the most heinous manner. Destruction rampant against sacred places, over the top of the trenches to certain death, the terrible gas warfare and all for what? The book measures 9" x 11" and is in good shape except for some minor mildew on the cover; now no longer harmful. It is a nightmare book and I wish it could be required reading in every school classroom in the Western world. War is Hell. And fratricidal war is “hell personified”! We at Germania International deal in military relics and the trappings of war, but I assure you we hate war and wish that there would never be another one. To the swine that promote war for their own greedy ends and political agenda, war is just another form of politics. For the young soldier in the field it is the "Dance with Death." Why not let the kings, presidents, congresses and senators go out there and duke it out with bowie knives! Look at these pictures and repeat after me “No more brother wars.” PRICE: $295.00 Very, very, rare and prodigiously important. |
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 Allied airmen |
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 Back of book |
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Book: The Aviation Book (Item WWI 11-10 & BRITSCOT 4-8) |
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DESCRIPTION: This is a children's book published in 1918. It is a colorful book and in large format, measuring 10" x 13" in size. The binding edge is rather distressed and obviously used considerably by the Boy Scouts that it was intended for. The pages and pictures are in very good shape. I would have to say it is quite rare, although typical of the primers of those turbulent times when white, Christian brothers fought and killed each other for no good reason. PRICE: $165.00 Rare! |
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 Parade Ground |
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| Set of Toy Soldiers by Elastolin (Item BRITSCOT 4-9) |
DESCRIPTION: This is a set of 17 figures representing the Coldstream Guards with band figures marching. Elastolin was a company making composition figures made of sawdust, casein glue and clay then hand painted at the factory. The technique was developed by the brothers Otto and Max Hausser in 1912. This set harkens back to the earliest toy soldiers made by the Haussers’. It is comprised of a officer mounted on a horse leading the group, five bandsmen who immediately follow, a flag bearer with British flag and to each side of him are an officer with drawn sword and a guardsman with rifle. Drawing up behind them are soldiers who march along. All the figures are in good shape except some original paint has worn off in the 99 years or so since they probably were made. The only figure in need of a better repair job is the band leader who got mad at a recruit perhaps and ‘lost his head.’ The head however is there, but someone did a sloppy glue job (an easy repair for you). The marching figures are 4 ¼ inches high including the base. The bases are marked Elastolin, but also you can see numbers and letters on the bases that have been painted there. The reason for this is as follows: there are 3 planchets representing the parade ground included with this group. This was a very clever display fixture. When inserting the figures into their proper positions there are form fitting holes all numbered and lettered for acceptance of each piece. This makes for easy group assemblage as each number and letter matches the information on the bottom of each figure. This was brilliant thinking as the pieces when inserted are firmly in place and very stable while in this display (“Ingenious”), but the parade ground was probably not made by Elastolin. We would think this wonderful early 20th century toy soldier set would be quite rare and certainly highly desirable to the toy collector. German toys like this are the best! They are not as refined in feature and form like the new plastic ones from China but the modern ones just don’t have the charm and meaning as the antiques do. PRICE: $2,500.00 the set |
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 Note thistles underneath |
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 Back side |
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 Finest of elk's teeth |
Magnificent Scottish Brooch (Item BRITSCOT 4-10) |
DESCRIPTION: This is without a doubt one of the greatest Scottish relics we have ever found. It is a large silver plaid brooch with beauty that stokes the imagination and invokes historical curiosity. It was found in Scotland and it certainly seems to be custom made for a royal personage or an important individual. The brooch was purchased from a Scottish farmer who came to an antique show that we attended in London. He wished to remain anonymous. The brooch was handmade obviously by a very talented jeweler...it is unsigned unfortunately. In its very center is a perfect precious stone, probably white amethyst (Cairngorm). Emitting from this are silver cones that hold 8 genuine elk's teeth while around this is a metal circle fashioned in silver with the Latin motto Nemo Me Impune Lacessit! Translated “No One Attacks Me with Impunity.” This is the motto of the Order of the Scottish Thistle and of three regiments of the British Army. This silver circular devise is laid over a setting of wood on which Scottish thistles are carved and all around the edges are tree branches fashioned in silver. NOW there is a distinct possibility that this was a gift to John Brown. And that was what we were told. At the time of the purchase, Brown was a Scottish personal servant and favorite of Britain’s Queen Victoria. For many years he was appreciated by many including the Queen for his competence and companionship and highly resented by others for his influence and informal manner. The exact nature of his relationship with the Queen was the subject of great speculation by contemporaries and continues to be controversial even today. After Prince Albert died in 1861, Brown became Victoria’s personal servant. She was so grateful for his service and his manner toward her, which was much less formal than that of her other servants, Brown was tough and extremely protective of her majesty and due to that fact she awarded him many medals and other wonderful gifts and she had portraits made of him. So, it is a distinct possibility that this indeed was one of the precious gifts that John Brown received from the gracious Queen. This is a very large and heavy brooch measuring about 4 inches in diameter and quite heavy, only a man of large stature like “Wee Jon” would wear. This is a true Scottish treasure! PRICE: $9,550.00 |
Page Four |
Please refer to item designator in parentheses in all correspondence.
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