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Sold outQueen Mary (Mary of Teck) gold ring
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- An exquisite 18k gold ring gifted by Queen Mary to a member of the royal household in 1885
Queen Mary (1867-1953), also known as Mary of Teck, was the wife of King George V, who reigned in the United Kingdom from 1910 to 1936.
Queen Mary was the grandmother of Elizabeth II, and mentored her during the present Queen’s formative years. Mary was also the great grandmother of Prince Charles, who called her “Gan Gan,” a name today affectionally used by the current Prince George for the Queen.
Mary married the then Prince George in 1893, her second cousin once removed. She had initially been engaged to his elder brother, Prince Albert, prior to Albert’s death from influenza in 1892. (Queen Victoria had long been an admirer of the young Mary).
Known as an occasionally stern yet often kind and humorous woman, Mary was born into the minor royal Teck family, and grew up in the UK.
In 1885, aged just 18, Queen Mary gifted the 18k gold ring to a member of the royal household.
Inscribed on the inner: “From HRH Princess Mary Xmas 1885”.
The hallmarks on the inner ring reveal it was likely made by renowned silver and goldsmith Samuel Whitford in London in 1879.
Superb provenance: consigned to us by the recipient’s great grandson. The recipient accompanied the Tecks on several royal overseas tours.
The Teck family traditionally presented Christmas presents of this magnitude to their senior domestic staff.
Jewellery from the British royal memorabilia seldom appears as auction. As such, this is a rare opportunity to own an intimate piece of the royal story.
Weight: 7.4 grams, giving an approximate gold value of £250 as of April 2020.
2.5 cm in diameter. Very good condition for its age.
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Sold out- A rare promotional card for Are You Experienced signed by Jimi Hendrix and Noel Redding
Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) is one of the most important musicians of the 20th century, regarded by many as the greatest guitarist of all time.
Described by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as "arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music", Hendrix's music continues to influence generations of musicians almost 50 years after it was recorded.
He became one of the most famous figures of the 1960s counterculture movement, and his performance of The Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock remains one of the most defining moments in American pop culture history.
In addition to his skills as a musician and songwriter, Hendrix also became known for his colourful style, which perfectly captured the flamboyant spirit and energy of the late 1960s.
Today Jimi Hendrix memorabilia is amongst the most sought-after by music fans and collectors around the world, with his instruments, clothing and signed artifacts regularly selling for huge sums at auction.
This fine promotional card bears signatures from two members of the Jimi Hendrix Experience; bassist Noel Redding and Jimi Hendrix himself.
Signatures from the band are rare. They were together for less than three years between 1966 and 1969, before splitting acrimoniously. During hat time, they released three of the most influential albums in rock history.
Free global shipping. 28-day returns. Certificate of Authenticity and our Lifetime Moneyback Guarantee of Authenticity included.
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Sold outMauritius 1848-59 'POST PAID' 2d deep blue, early impression (close to earliest) on medium yellowish paper, position 6 on sheet, SG9.
Good margins and very lightly cancelled by large circle of bars which barely obtrudes on any part of the design. Insignificant wrinkles mentioned for accuracy, nevertheless a beautiful stamp of rare quality.
The SG catalogue price is £9,500.
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Sold outChina 1897 60th Birthday of the Dowager Empress, from unissued second printing, 9ca yellow-green, SG31.
Well centred and very fresh with traces of original gum.
A sought after Chinese Empire stamp, very rarely seen. This printing was made for surcharging in the new currency, and genuinely used examples are unknown.
The SG catalogue price is £7,500.
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Sold outGreat Britain King George V 1915 5s Pale carmine (worn plate), SG410.
Pristine unused original gum half sheet of twenty printed by De La Rue complete with full sheet margin, lightly mounted on two stamps only. A magnificent exhibition piece of the highest pedigree.
Provenance: Ex Hassan Sharda gold medal collection.
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Sold out- A George Harrison signed cheque dated 1972 and made out to legendary Cream drummer Ginger Baker
George Harrison (1943-2001) was lead guitarist in The Beatles. He began playing with John Lennon and Paul McCartney while they were still in The Quarrymen. Harrison contributed much to the Beatle's signature sound. His fascination with Indian mysticism led the band to adopt sounds and ideas from the subcontinent. Following the Beatles’ split in 1970, he enjoyed a successful solo career.
A National Westminster Bank cheque dated “10th Feb, 1972”. The sum is £37.32, around £500 in today’s money. Bearing a superb signature from Harrison in blue pen.
Harrison and Baker ran in the same circles and worked together at various times throughout their careers.
The piece is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from renowned Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo describing it as "one of the best examples of a George Harrison check in existence".
Free global shipping. 28-day returns. Certificate of Authenticity and our Lifetime Moneyback Guarantee of Authenticity included.
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Sold out- A London 2012 Olympic torch in glass encasement
- One of two carried by speedboat during the opening ceremony
In 2012, London became the first city to host the modern Olympic Games three times – having previously hosted in 1908 and 1948. The spectacular event featured more than 10,000 athletes from 204 nations, with new world records set in archery, swimming and weightlifting. It’s also remembered for the inventive opening ceremony overseen by director Danny Boyle and featuring iconic Britons including Queen Elizabeth II, Daniel Craig and Dizzee Rascal.
This London 2012 Olympic torch with glass encasement is one of two produced especially for the speedboat segment of the spectacular opening ceremony (one was a reserve).
The glass encasement ensured the flame could withstand water spray and wind as the speedboat sped up the Thames. David Beckham accompanied the torch during this stage, handing it on to Steve Redgrave.
It is not known whether this torch is the one carried by Beckham or is the reserve.
Sold with its original carry case and a certificate of authenticity from the official organisers of the Games.
An impossibly rare and hugely desirable piece of London 2012 Olympic history. Highly coveted by Olympic collectors.
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Sold out- A Remo drum skin signed by all three original members of Blondie in a 2012 show
Blondie’s distinctive sound made them one of the most intriguing alternative acts of the 20th century, achieving huge success through the 1970s and 1980s with songs like Heart of Glass, Rapture and Call Me. They are still releasing records and touring today.
A 14.5-inch snare drum skin signed by singer Debbie Harry, drummer Clem Burke and guitarist Chris Stein – the three longest serving original members of the band.
Burke used this skin in a 2012 Australian performance and has marked it with the set list for the show. The piece is marked with the location and date (“Dec 12 2012 Townsville”). A must-have for Blondie fans.
Free global shipping. 28-day returns. Certificate of Authenticity and our Lifetime Moneyback Guarantee of Authenticity included.
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Sold outvPaul Fraser Collectible
China 1900 American Bank Note Company recess ptg 1000ca carmine. SG revenue
£600.00
China 1900 American Bank Note Company recess ptg 1000ca carmine, imperf example in upper right corner block of twelve with plate number 3, opt specimen in blue and punched, with additional large voilet h/s covering upper row 'return to'..ISSUE ROOM.. To be held for reference' from the ABNCo archives, attractive and scarce. SG revenue. -
Sold outLondon 2012 Olympic torch lantern
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· A London 2012 Olympic torch lantern
· One of 11 used to carry the Olympic flame from Olympia, Greece to the UKIn 2012, London became the first city to host the modern Olympic Games three times – having previously hosted in 1908 and 1948. The spectacular event featured more than 10,000 athletes from 204 nations, with new world records set in archery, swimming and weightlifting. It’s also remembered for the inventive opening ceremony overseen by director Danny Boyle and featuring iconic Britons like Queen Elizabeth II, Daniel Craig and Dizzee Rascal.This brass 2012 Olympic torch lantern is one of 11 used to carry the Olympic flame from Greece to the UK aboard flight BA2012.
The design is a modified miner’s lamp, which enables the flame to be safely transported by aircraft. It's made by the Manchester-based Protector Lamp and Lighting Company, which has produced Olympic lanterns for the last 30 years.
It stands at 9.8 inches in height and comes with a branded flight case. There’s also a spare plaque engraved “2012 OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY”. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
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Sold outQueen signed photo
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Queen, formed in London in 1970, are one of the most unique acts in rock history.. Led by flamboyant singer Freddie Mercury, one of the era’s most charismatic front men, their brand of bombastic, operatic rock proved hugely successful. Their career was cut short by Mercury’s death from complications caused by AIDS in 1991.
An 8 x 10 inch photograph of Queen in concert signed by all four members of the band (Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon). Housed in a 16 x 14 inch frame. Rare.
Free global delivery. 28-day returns. Certificate of Authenticity and our Lifetime Moneyback Guarantee of Authenticity included.
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Sold outSixpence Victoria 1864
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Sixpence Victoria 1864 Large Date.Serif 4 Choice Uncirculated and graded 85 by London Coins Grading Service and in their holder -
Sold outSixpence George IV 1825
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Sixpence George IV 1825 Standard type Uncirculated and graded 82 by London Coins Grading Service and in their holder -
Sold outGold Sovereign George V 1928
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Gold Sovereign George V 1928 SA.Pretoria Good Extremely Fine and graded 70 by London Coins Grading Service and in their holder -
Sold outBritish Guiana 1850-51 4c on black orange 'Cottonreel', SG2.
Violet M/S initials 'WHS' of W.H. Lortimer, cut round with frameline intact, affixed to piece by a wafer and tied by 1851 Demerara 'MR 20' circular datestamp. The method of affixation has caused minor wrinkles, but an attractive example of this classic rarity, with fresh colour.
One of the great stamp rarities from the British Commonwealth. The renowned "Cotton Reel" stamps are named for their resemblance to the base of a cotton reel. Its primitive charm has resulted in it always being highly treasured by collectors.
Accompanied with a Holcombe certificate of authenticity (1985).
The SG catalogue price is £16,000.
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Sold out- A clipped cover from an October 26, 1998 edition of Newsweek featuring a signature from astronaut John Glenn
John Glenn (1921-2016) was the pilot of the 1962 Mercury-Atlas 6 spaceflight – making him the first American to orbit the Earth. In later years he became a Democratic senator. In 1998, he flew on the STS-95 Discovery aged 77. He remains the oldest person ever to go to space.
A clipped front cover of an October 26, 1998 edition of Newsweek featuring astronaut John Glenn on the cover. Glenn has inscribed: “To Randall/ John Glenn”. Light folds, otherwise fine condition.
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Sold out- A December 11, 1972 clipped Time Magazine cover page signed by Apollo astronaut Jack Schmitt
Jack Schmitt was the Lunar Module pilot during the Apollo 17 mission and the second to last person ever to walk on the Moon.
This is a clipped front cover of a December 11, 1972 edition of Time Magazine, featuring the crew of the Apollo 17 mission on the cover. It’s signed by Lunar Module Pilot Jack Schmitt. The cover displays light folds. Good condition.
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Sold out- A June 4, 1962 clipped front page of Newsweek magazine signed by Mercury astronaut M Scott Carpenter
M Scott Carpenter (1925-2013) was one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts selected to launch the US manned space programme in 1958. He flew the Mercury-Atlas 7, becoming the second US astronaut to orbit the Earth.
This is a clipped front cover of a June 4, 1962 copy of Newsweek, featuring Mercury-Atlas 7 astronaut M Scott Carpenter as the cover star. Carpenter has signed in black ink on his image. The cover displays folds and three small tears on the left hand side.
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Sold out- A March 26, 1965 clipped front page of Time Magazine signed by Alexei Leonov
Alexei Leonov is a Russian cosmonaut who in 1965 became the first person to perform a spacewalk. In 1975 he commanded the Soyuz capsule on the Soyuz-Apollo mission, the first collaborative mission between the US and the Soviet Union.
A March 26, 1965 front page cover of Time Magazine featuring a cover image of Alexei Leonov’s 1965 spacewalk. Leonov has signed on the white section of the image. Folded but in fine condition.
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Sold out- A June 21, 1965 front page of Newsweek signed by Gemini and Apollo 9 astronaut James A McDivitt
James A McDivitt is a USAF test pilot and NASA astronaut. He flew on the Gemini 4 and Apollo 9 missions. After the Apollo 11 mission he became Manager of the Apollo Program until the end of the series.
This is a June 21, 1965 copy of Newsweek showing astronaut Ed White’s spacewalk during the Gemini 4 mission. It’s signed by mission commander James A McDivitt. The cover displays some folds and rusting from a staple in the top left corner. Otherwise fine condition.
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Sold outCharlie Chaplin signed portrait
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- An ink portrait of Charlie Chaplin signed by Chaplin himself
- Dated to 1952, around the release of Limelight
Charlie Chaplin was the biggest star of the silent era. Born into poverty in Victorian London, he found his way to the stage and on to Hollywood. He came up with the character of the Tramp in 1914. By 1918 he was a household name. A string of classic movies followed, including The Kid (1921), Modern Times (1936) and The Great Dictator (1940).
This is an ink portrait of Charlie Chaplin in character as the Tramp by the Danish artist Carl Werner Skogholm. The drawing is dated 1952. Chaplin has signed to the right of his portrait “Yours truly, Charlie Chaplin”.
The date means Chaplin likely signed around the release of Limelight (1952), in which he stars as a washed up former comedian. This is around the time he was barred from America for being a suspected communist.
The item is fixed to a paper backing with tape to the top left and bottom right corners.
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Sold outGreat Britain King Edward VII 1911 £1 Deep green, SG320.
An exquisite quality example of this beautiful and ornate stamp. Very fine and fresh unmounted mint with full original gum corner marginal example printed at Somerset House from Plate 1a.
Without a doubt, the finest quality example of this stamp we have ever handled.
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Sold outvPaul Fraser Collectible
Great Britain 1931 £1 Yellowish green experimental printing on Joyson paper. SG403var
£4,250.00 £2,125.00
Great Britain King George V 1931 £1 Yellowish green experimental printing on Joyson paper, SG403var.
Superb unmounted mint original gum left hand marginal example overprinted 'CANCELLED' type 24. Scarce.
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Sold outvPaul Fraser Collectible
Great Britain 1966 1s6d Gandhi Centenary Year. SG807var
£2,750.00 £1,375.00
Great Britain 1966 1s6d Gandhi Centenary Year. Superb unmounted original gum right hand marginal imperforate imprimatur with a 'British Postal Museum & Archive' handstamp on reverse. Scarce SG807var -
Sold outGreat Britain 1841 1d Red brown Plate 11. Very fine used close to large four margin example lettered TG, tied to a clean entire (dated internally April 22nd 1841) by the finest known example of the solid (debis filled) Maltese Cross of Knighton. Addressed to Ludlow with a Knighton UDC at lower left. A stunning example of the spectacular Maltese cross illustrated on page 82 of Danzig & Goldsmith and page 145 of Rockoff & Jackson. Ex Pickering. SG7 -
Sold outvPaul Fraser Collectible
Great Britain 1912 ½d Green (Watermarked Multiple Cypher). SG346
£3,500.00
Great Britain 1912 ½d Green (Watermarked Multiple Cypher). Very fine unused original gum bottom left hand corner marginal 'B,12' control block of six perf type 2A (Lower strip of three unmounted original gum). An extremely rare control from the Somerset House printing. Spec N6(1). SG346 -
Sold outAlbert Einstein signed portrait
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- An illustrated portrait of Albert Einstein signed by Einstein himself
Albert Einstein was one of the world’s greatest scientific minds. In the early 1900s he developed the Theory of Relativity, a work that set the template for modern physics. A German citizen, he left the country shortly before Hitler seized power and never returned – choosing instead to spend the rest of his life in America.
He was instrumental in developing the first atomic bombs in the 1940s, in spite of a lifelong commitment to pacifism. Over the course of his career he published hundreds of scientific papers. His name has become interchangeable with genius.
This is a 4.9 x 3.9 inch illustration of Albert Einstein by the Danish amateur artist Carl Werner Skogholm. Skogholm drew portraits of celebrities and sent them off with a request they be returned with a signature. Einstein was one of those who obliged.
Einstein has signed crisply in black pen, dating the piece "48". One of the nicest Einstein autographs you'll see.
This is a unique piece of considerable charm. Demand for Einstein’s signature has been growing, with one inscribed paper selling for a record $1.5m in 2017.
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Sold out- A bold signature from Mahatma Gandhi in black fountain pen dated April 4, 1947
- Gandhi signs twice: once in Hindi and again in English
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) is celebrated as the father of modern India. Gandhi trained as a lawyer in London. On a posting to South Africa he experienced intense racism. He pushed back. On returning to India in 1915 he became a leader in the Indian nationalist movement. Gandhi insisted on non-violent means to effect change. Over time his influence among ordinary Indians grew.
He renounced all worldly possessions, wearing only a simple cotton dhoti (loincloth). The British did all they could to destroy his influence. He spent years in prison. Finally on August 15, 1947, after almost 300 years of colonial control, India declared independence. Gandhi did not live to see the first free elections. A Hindu nationalist assassinated him as he walked to a prayer meeting in New Delhi in January 1948. Gandhi remains a figurehead for independence movements the world over.
Gandhi signs on this 6.5 x 4 inch sheet on April 27, 1947 – just over four months before India’s Independence Day and 10 months before his death. At the time of signing he and other members of the Indian National Congress were in talks with the British over partition.
Gandhi was deeply opposed to splitting the sub-continent along religious lines. However, with tensions rising between Hindus and Muslims, he was outvoted.
The page bears two signatures from Gandhi. One is in Hindi. The other, below, is in English: “M.K. Gandhi.”
Gandhi’s signature is scarce and increasingly in-demand.
This is a rare chance to own two in one.
The piece comes affixed to a paper backing. The condition is excellent.
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Sold outGreat Britain 1966 4d Battle of Hastings (Ordinary). Superb, complete set of sixteen imperforate proof strips on gummed watermarked paper. Included are nine single colour strips in the issued colours of Black, Olive-green, Bistre, Deep-blue, Orange, Magenta, Green, Blue & Grey, then a further seven strips in combinations of 2,3,4,5,6 or 7 of the above colours. A spectacular set and rare to find complete. SG705var -
Sold out- An extraordinary Martin Luther King Jr signature
- Accompanied by an inscription bearing an original quote
Georgia-born preacher Martin Luther King Jr was the de facto leader of the American Civil Rights Movement. He led the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, the Birmingham Campaign (1963) and the March on Washington (1963). It was in the nation’s capital he gave his iconic I Have a Dream speech. King was shot dead by a white supremacist in 1968. He continued to be a defining influence on the movement.
This is a 3 x 4.7 inch card bearing an inscription and signature from Martin Luther King Jr. It’s dated May 13, 1957.
King writes: “Love is the greatest force in the universe. It is the heartbeat of the moral cosmos. He who loves is a participant in the being of god. Best wishes.”
A variant of this quote appears in Paul’s Letter to American Christians, a sermon King gave at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama in 1956. He said in that speech: “love is the most durable power in the world, and that it is at bottom the heartbeat of the moral cosmos. Only through achieving this love can you expect to matriculate into the university of eternal life.”
Quality signatures from King are rare and increasingly in-demand. This is a specimen of tremendous power that highlights King’s skill as a writer and orator.
The card is affixed to a backing, with a raised section to the top right that doesn't detract from its appeal. An original stamp from the Montgomery Improvement Association, the group that prefigured the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, accompanies the item.
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Sold out- A hugely rare cricket cover from a 1992 match between the Royal Household Cricket Club and the Vic Lewis Cricket Club, signed by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip
- Also signed by legendary cricketers Sir Don Bradman, Sir Gary Sobers, Sir Colin Cowdry and Sir Richard Hadlee
- Date stamped August 1, 1992 in Windsor Castle
Band leader Vic Lewis founded his legendary cricket club in 1957. The team was made up of an ever-changing roster of cricketing heroes and celebrities. It made regular appearances at charity matches around the world.
This is one of four (3/4) signed and numbered covers from a 1992 match between the Royal Household Cricket Club and the Vic Lewis Cricket Club held to benefit the Terrence Higgins Trust.
The signers are: Don Bradman, Prince Philip, Vic Lewis, Gary Sobers, Colin Cowdrey, Richard Hadlee, John Jayear and Tom Graveney. A letter of provenance from well-known stamp dealer Mel Brown accompanies the item.
A huge rarity - signed by royalty and several knights.
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