GOLD. 1813 George III, 7th head Half Guinea. This is the final year that the Half Guinea was issued, soon to be replacedby the Half Sovereign. This coin is in excellent, EF plus condition and retains some of its original mint bloom.

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1840 Penny Black (GB) Plate 3 SUPERB four margin Tiny Envelope Contrary to Regulations. Tiny Envelope posted on Monday the 31st of August 1840 in Liverpool to Regents Park London. Penny Black Plate 3 placed on the bottom left of the entire Post Office regulations says the stamp must be on the top right corner. This envelope written by Edwin Atherstones to his daughter Mary Elizabeth who went on to publish and edit a distinguished book named "The Dramatic works of Edwin Atherstone". Edwin Atherstone was a poet but also supported his family by dealing in Art. He was born in Nottingham in 1788 and was one of 15 children. He is described by his daughter Mary as a man of most honourable noble mind and heart. Atherstone was friend to the great John Martin who has been referred to as the most popular painter of his day. Martin supplied art for Atherstones work such as the fall of the Nineveh of which is now part of the British Museum's collection and the famous poem "A Midsummers Day Dream". Atherstone was in the same literary circle as the likes of John Hunt and William Godwin (the father of Mary Shelley). Thus, subsequently their work was part of the Romantic Movement which marked an era of change for England. A stunning piece of philatelic history.

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• A superb collection of vintage polo trophies and photographic archive relating to star player Eric Tyrrell-Martin

Eric Horace Tyrrell-Martin (1905-1953) was an English international polo player who captained the English team in 1936. Born in Yorkshire, he attended Rugby and Cambridge before becoming a Lieutenant in the 16th Hussars. He married Edith 'Babs' in 1929, who was an exceptional sportswoman, playing tennis at Wimbledon and placing as a runner up in the All American Women's Golf Championship.

Tyrrell-Martin had a colourful polo career: he captained the English polo team against America for the Westchester Cup at Hurlingham, and was invited to represent England at the Olympic Games in Berlin in 1936, but wasn't able to accept.

He and Edith moved to California in 1936 and he spent much time travelling the world playing polo. He and Babs led a glittering social life with many famous friends and connections.

They visited the Roosevelts at the White House in 1939, and with the backing of King Farouk, Tyrrell-Martin promoted and developed polo in Egypt. Tyrrell-Martin died in 1953 as a result of injuries sustained while playing polo.

The superb collection of silver and silver-plated vintage polo trophies is complemented by two photo albums relating to the life and career of Tyrrell-Martin, as well as two address books belonging to his wife, Edith. These contain details for many celebrities including Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Clarke Gable, Walt Disney, Bing Crosby and Charley [sic] Chaplin.

Trophies with inscriptions include: Carlow Hunt Races, Light Weight, 1911; Carlow Hunt Races, Light Weight, 1912; Beaufort Hunt Polo Club, Spring Cup, April 1929 (x2); W.S.P.C., Junior Cup, 1925, Templeton, 1. E.H. Martin...; W.S.P.C., Novices Cup, 1925, Chapel Brampton, 1. E.H. Martin...; W.S.P.C., Senior Cup, 1928,...; W.S.P.C., Visitors Cup, 1925, Ridley House, 1. E.H. Martin...; Midwick Country Club Open Championship, 1937, Won by Texas Rangers...; Hurlingham Club, 1926, Oxford v Cambridge; Antwerp Polo Club, Challenge Cup, 1930; Gans Challenge Cup Deauville, 1930; Polo de Laversine, 1929; San Mateo-Burlinghame, Polo Club, High Goal Handicap, Won by...; Coupe de Bourg de Bozas, Polo de Deauville, 1929 Meadow Brook Club, 1939, Presented by The Hurlingham Club...; Cannes-Brioni-Vienna-Challenge-Cup...; A.P.C. Coupe de L'Exposition D'Anvers, 1930; Polo de Paris 1929; Chateau D'Oex, September, 1913; C.A.V., Conference, Eastbourne, 1969.

There are a small number of other trophies not inscribed.

The first photo album contains approximately 100 photographs together with some newspaper cuttings. The second houses a collection of newspaper articles mostly tracking press coverage of the Westchester Cup at Hurlingham. It includes signatures from Gerald Balding (British) and Stewart B Inglehart and Winston FC Guest (America).

There are also approximately 200 loose black and white photographs, some mounted. The largest measures 30cm x 39.5cm, with the majority at 18cm x 12cm or smaller. They depict polo matches, social events and family holidays. 

A truly unique and most important collection of vintage polo memorabilia worthy of exhibit.

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Please note many of the above hairs are in very limited quantities and will be sold on a first come first served basis.

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Aden 1937 (1 APR) registered 'J. Stephen' cover, SG10/12, from ADEN CAMP to Isle of Man, bearing Dhow 2r, 5r, 10r, tied with individual very fine strikes of circular date stamps on first day of issue, with blue/white registration label at lower left. The 2r with trivial soiling from cancel but most attractive and scarce. 

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• A hugely rare and intimate piece of British history: Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson's snuff box

Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson (1758–1805) is one of the most celebrated figures in British history, best remembered for his heroic efforts during the Napoleonic wars.

Nelson's career as a naval officer saw him lead the British fleet to several victories, during which he suffered injuries, including the loss of his right arm and the sight in his right eye.

His most famous victory came in October 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar, in which the Royal Navy decimated the combined fleets of the French and Spanish navies.

Prior to the battle, Nelson sent out the famous message "England expects that every man will do his duty". Tragically, he was shot by a French sniper and died on board his ship the HMS Victory mid battle.

His body was returned to England where he was granted a state funeral, and numerous monuments were erected in his honour, including Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, London.

This tortoiseshell composition snuff box was originally owned by Lord Nelson, and features a miniature watercolour scene of the Amalfi coast on the top.

The box was gifted by Nelson to his personal secretary George Unwin, during a dinner party in Sicily in late 1798 or early 1799 which was also attended by Nelson's mistress, Emma, Lady Hamilton.

Nelson had first met Hamilton in 1793 and the pair were reunited in 1798 following the Battle of the Nile.

Having been severely injured, Nelson recuperated in Naples, during which time he was nursed back to health by Lady Emma and her elderly husband, Sir William Hamilton.

It was during this period that Nelson and Hamilton began their famous love affair, which lasted until Nelson's death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

It seems highly possible that Nelson gave this gift to Unwin as a show of generosity, in an attempt to impress his mistress over dinner.

The snuff box is offered along with a manuscript letter by Unwin's son, George, which reads in full:

"My Father had either lost his own snuff box on going ashore or in some shop in Palermo and upon mentioning the circumstances at Lady Hamilton’s table where Lord Nelson was one of the party his Lordship handed over to him this identical box and desired him to keep it until he could get a better one."

The box was later passed down to Unwin's own son George, then via his wife Anne Oxenham to her brother Rev. William Oxenham, and by descent through the family for several generations.

A beautiful and rare item from one of Britain’s most famous heroes, and a small piece connected to one of history's greatest love affairs.

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• An authentic lock of Admiral Horatio Nelson's hair presented in a circular agate box decorated with a gold band 

Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) was a British naval officer famous for his victories against the French during the Napoleonic Wars.

Nelson was known for his superb leadership skills and somewhat unconventional strategies.

Nelson was involved in battle almost constantly between 1793 until his death in 1805. During this time he lost the sight in his right eye at the Battle of Calvi in Corsica and lost his right arm at Santa Cruz in Tenerife.

Admiral Lord Nelson is remembered as one of the greatest British war heroes in history. He died during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

This is a generous, fine, blonde lock of Lord Nelson's hair.

• Half a letter from Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson to Captain William G Rutherford, commander of HMS Swiftsure
• Signed in June 1805, just over five months before Nelson’s death at the Battle of Trafalgar
• Written amidst the British pursuit of the French fleet to the Caribbean 

Nelson (1758-1805) was a British naval officer famous for his victories against the French during the Napoleonic Wars. He was known for his superb leadership skills and somewhat unconventional strategies. Nelson was involved in battle almost constantly between 1793 until his death in 1805. During this time he lost the sight in his right eye at the Battle of Calvi in Corsica and lost his right arm at Santa Cruz in Tenerife. Admiral Lord Nelson is remembered as one of the greatest British war heroes in history. He died during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

This is the bottom half of a letter Admiral Nelson sent to Captain William G Rutherford (commander of the HMS Swiftsure) in June 1805. That's five months before the Battle of Trafalgar. Rutherford took command of the Swiftsure in May 1805, after Nelson appointed him to the position during the blockade of Toulon.

The British blockaded the port, intending to draw out the French fleet. But the French, under Admiral Villeneuve, gave the British the slip and escaped through the Strait of Gibraltar – heading west to the Caribbean.

Nelson took several ships (including the Swiftsure) and set off in hot pursuit. On June 4, 1805, the British fleet arrived into Barbados. Nelson had received word from the governor of St Lucia that the French had gone to Trinidad and Tobago. He picked up troops from Barbados, intending to smash the French. But on June 9 he learned the information was incorrect. The French fleet had actually gone north to Martinique. There they'd captured a strategic sea fort (Diamond Rock) and headed home.

Dejected, Nelson ordered the fleet to return to Europe. They dropped the extra troops at Antigua on June 13.

But this 6.5 x 8 inch letter dates to June 4-9, when Nelson still believes he's on the tail of the French fleet. He orders Rutherford to give troops the full complement of food and provisions, to steel them for the battle ahead.

Nelson writes: “…any distinction in victualling them would under the present circumstances be in my opinion very improper, it is my intention as we may soon be in Battle with the Enemy and the stay of the troops on board cannot be many days, that they shall be victualled the same as the respective ships companies.

“It is therefore my direction that you cause the troops who may be embarked from Barbadoes onboard his majesty’s ship under your command to be victualled at full allowance of all species of provisions the same as your ships company during their continuance on board.”

Below he signs “Nelson & Bronte”.

Spanish King Ferdinand III appointed Nelson First Duke of Bronte in 1799, in thanks for his help in subduing a rebellion in Naples. Nelson was proud of his new title and incorporated it into his signature. He tried out a few different ways of writing it (including "Bronte Nelson of the Nile”) before settling on the current form. He changed his autograph often throughout his life. This is the last variant he used.

The present example is clear and fine. Its connection to a key moment in British naval history provides enhanced appeal.

The flight of Admiral Villeneuve was the last major naval action before the Battle of Trafalgar. After arriving back to the UK in August, Nelson was hailed the saviour of the British colonies in the Caribbean.

On September 2, he was told the French and Spanish had combined fleets at Cadiz. So began the Battle of Trafalgar.

The Swiftsure would play a decisive role at Trafalgar, taking on four French ships and dealing the final blow to the Achille. After the battle it attempted to tow the Redoubtable, the French ship from whence Nelson’s fatal shot came, but cut it free when it started to sink.

Rutherford was a fascinating character and the only American-born commander at Trafalgar.

Born in North Carolina to loyalist parents, who fled to the Caribbean at the outbreak of the American Revolution, he rose quickly through the ranks of the British Navy – taking his first command post in 1794.

Nelson’s signature is in high demand, with letters relating to his naval career particularly sought after. This is a particularly important specimen, directly connected with the last manoeuvres before the Battle of Trafalgar.   

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Ancient Greece Silver Stater Calabria-Tarentum c 340-325 BC. 

Obv. Horseman riding r., brandishing spear, he holds speares and shield. Rev. Taras riding dolphin r., holding crested helmet, stars to left and right. 20mm, 7.83g. EF - beautiful old cabinet tone, a little softness of strike at high-points, otherwise of attractive style and extremely fine.

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Ancient Greece Silver Stater Corinth c 345-307 BC, Corinth mint. 

Obv. Pegasos flying left, koppa below. Rev. Head of Athena facing left, wearing a Corinthian helmet, N and triskeles of crescents within a circle behind. 21mm, 8.54g. EF - Extremely fine. 

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Prince of Aquitaine. 1362-1372. Half length facing figure; ED POS... REG AGL E / Long cross, lis and lions in opposite quarters.

Good Very Fine. 

• An authentic strand of hair from actor Anna Friel  

Anna Friel began her career playing Beth Jordache on the popular British soap Brookside in the 1990s. Since then she’s appeared in some major TV series and films, including the recent remake of Stephen King’s I.T. (2016).

This is a guaranteed authentic half inch strand of Anna Friel’s hair.

It comes presented on an 8 x 5.75 inch display card, perfect for framing.

The hair comes directly from a wigmaker who has worked on several major recent films and TV programmes. The wigmaker takes hair samples from celebrities to ensure the wigs exactly match their hair. 99% of TV and film stars use wigs or hair extensions on screen.

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• An authentic strand of hair from actor Antonio Banderas

Spanish actor Antonio Banderas (born 1960) began his onscreen career working with the celebrated auteur Pedro Almodovar. He made the move into Hollywood with The Mambo Kings in 1992. By the end of the decade he was one of the biggest stars in the industry, starring in blockbuster The Mask of Zorro (1998).  

This is a guaranteed authentic half inch strand of Antonio Banderas’ hair.

It comes presented on an 8 x 5.75 inch display card, perfect for framing.

The hair comes directly from a wigmaker who has worked on several major recent films and TV programmes. The wigmaker takes hair samples from celebrities to ensure the wigs exactly match their hair. 99% of TV and film stars use wigs or hair extensions on screen.

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Attica Athens silver drachm (circa 454-404 BC).

Obv: Head of Athena facing right, wearing a crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves and a palmette Rev: standing right, its head facing, an olive-sprig and a crescent behind; all within an incuse square GVF - Well-centred, toned, good very fine. 

Augustus (27 BC - AD 14), Silver Denarius. Laureate head facing right, rev, Gaius
and Lucius Caesar, both togate, standing facing, each with a spear and a shield, a lituus and a simpulum above. 

About Extremely Fine. 

Australia 1915 5s grey and yellow, watermark 5, lightly cancelled by two part strikes of 'WHIM CR(EEK)' circular date stamps with excellent perforations and centring. Scarce so fine. Used. SG 30

Australia 1915 5s grey and yellow, watermark 5, variety watermark inverted, large part original gum, with lovely fresh colour and perforations and centring far above average. The watermark variety easily detectable from the face. Scarce so fine. Mint. SG 30w

Australia 1926-30 2d golden scarlet (die III), SG99ab, perforation 13½ x 12½, error 'No watermark'. Brilliant quality with original gum. From a sheet discovered in July 1931, which was partly without watermark as a result of defective manufacture. Very scarce. Accompanied by a British Philatelic Association (BPA) certificate (2003).

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Australia 1931-36 10s grey and pink, watermark 15, very fine large part original gum. Mint. SG 136

Australia 1932 'Sydney Harbour Bridge' 5s, fine cancelled-to-order. Used. SG 143

Gold Sovereign, Sydney Branch Mint, 1870, second young head left with wreath of
banksia in hair, date below, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, VICTORIA
D: G: BRITANNIAR: REG: F: D: rev. AUSTRALIA across centre, crown above within
tied laurel wreath, SYDNEY MINT above, ONE SOVEREIGN below. 

About Extremely Fine. 

Bahamas 1954-63 set of 16 to £1, blocks of 4, fine used with central 'NASSAU' circular date stamps, dated '21 MAR 61'. Attractive. Used. SG 201/16

Bahrain 1948 Royal Silver Wedding 15r on £1 blue, lower left corner cylinder number '1.' block of 4, unmounted original gum. Unmounted Mint. SG 62