Each coin worn flat and bent into a double-curved 's' profile, for use as a token of love. 17.55 grams total, 18-20 mm



Found Tyne and Wear, UK. This lot is for UK buyers only, not for export.

The custom of giving a bent coin as a love-token is known from the 17th century in England. The coins were usually smoothed to obliterate the monarch’s head and then bent twice; sometimes they were engraved with initials or symbols such as hearts or knots. If the sweetheart accepted the youth's advances, she kept the token; if not, she disposed of it. The tradition is referred to in the children's rhyme 'There was a crooked man, and he walked a crooked mile, and found a crooked sixpence upon a crooked stile.'

Mixed group of figures with anatomical details. 255 grams, 11-13 cm

Very fine condition.

From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent.

Openwork fronds to the shoulders, rectangular plaque with raised border, incuse skull motif over two long bones crossed, script capital 'B'. 7.9 grams, 24.6 mm overall, 21.29 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)



Ex East Sussex private collection, 1970s-1980s.

Irregular fragment of timber, supplied with a handwritten provenance letter with wax seal; the letter states: 'Parish of Sidlow Bures Manor. Know all men, and if ladies particularly, by these presents, that of the fifth day of April 1888 the undersigned Poulteney Bigelow did in the company with an officer of H.M Service secure the accompanying piece of timber belonging to the ever famous frigate Victory, the same that fought at Trafalgar and received the precious life blood of the immortal Nelson on the 21st of October 1805. This piece of timber was cut out of the Hull of the Victory while undergoing repairs on the dry dock of Portsmouth. It is herewith presented to Miss Mabel Nicholson as a precious heirloom for distant generations of such as may love liberty and cherish the memory of valiant men. Witness the annexed signature seal, Poulteney Bigelow, Bures Manor, June 5 1888.' 141 grams total, 15.6-26.5 cm



From the collection of a Sussex noble lady, by descent from 1888, directly from the gifting of the item, as stated in the letter.

The HMS Victory underwent various refits throughout her long service, but a significant one occurred in 1888, when she was converted for use as a training ship. This refit included modifications to her structure and interior to accommodate her new role, although she was primarily preserved as a historic vessel. The hull and internal structures were reinforced to address wear and tear from years of service. The HMS Victory is currently the oldest British naval vessel still in commission, with 248 years of service as of 2026.

With horizontal bar, ribbed finials, vertical swivel and rectangular suspension loop. 15.9 grams, 34 mm



From the private collection of the late Graham Slater (1927-2024), Cambridge, UK, acquired 1980s-1990s.

Formed with three horizontal bands, central figure of crucified Jesus; a pair of angels, dove and Jahve to the upper part; legend in azbuka on both faces. 66 grams, 11 cm



Ex Constable collection, 1990s. Ex P. Morris collection.

Comprising tubular, fusiform, and other beads with carved pendants in the shape of a fly, ram's head, mano fica, and other motifs. 41 grams, 56 cm



Private collection, UK.

Philip Caputo - A Rumour of War - London, 1977, hardback with dustjacket, 346 pp; John Ellis - The Fighting Man in World War II. The Sharp End of War - London, 1980, hardcover with dustjacket, 396 pp, monochrome illustrations; Len Deighton - Battle of Britain - London, 1980, hardcover with dustjacket, 224 pp, colour and monochrome illustrations; The World at Arms. The Reader's Digest Illustrated History of World War II - London, 1989, hardcover, 480 pp, colour and monochrome illustrations. 4.13 kg total, 22.4 x 14.5 - 28.5 x 22.2 cm



From the library of an East Anglian gentleman, 1970s-early 2000s.

Barrel-shaped in profile with tall basal ring, broad shoulder low neck and chamfered rim; painted rosettes to the shoulder and sidewalls. 1.35 kg, 18.2 cm wide



Ex Hong Kong collection, 1980-1990. From a London, UK, collection.

Comprising three powder boxes, two with painted floral designs and one with a painted landscape to the lid. 272 grams total, 57-60 mm



Ex Butterfield and Butterfield auction with official Hoi An Hoard labels. Accompanied by an illustrated information sheet about the Hoi An shipwreck.

In the mid 15th century a freighting junk loaded with fine Vietnamese pottery sank in an area of the South China Sea called the 'Dragon’s Embrace.' This vessel is part of the shipwreck cargo recovered off the coast of Vietnam at Hoi An. The ceramics themselves were probably made in the area of Chu Dau.

Piriform in profile with integral foot, narrow mouth, dense branches with foliage, berries, perching birds, two large vases with chrysanthemum detailing flanked by supporters. 1.02 kg, 30 cm



Private collection, UK.

Comprising three powder boxes with elaborate painted floral decoration. 345 grams total, 63-69 mm



Ex Butterfield and Butterfield auction with official Hoi An Hoard labels. Accompanied by an illustrated information sheet about the Hoi An shipwreck.

In the mid 15th century a freighting junk loaded with fine Vietnamese pottery sank in an area of the South China Sea called the 'Dragon’s Embrace.' This vessel is part of the shipwreck cargo recovered off the coast of Vietnam at Hoi An. The ceramics themselves were probably made in the area of Chu Dau.