A silver and paste set navel crown brooch unhallmarked, originally attached to an officer's dress sword scabbard, the sword being engraved for 'J.S. Eaton, R.N.', and offered for sale in these rooms on 3 March 2026. 7.02 grams, 28 mm



The sword and badge are believed to have been owned by Midshipman James Eaton, famed for serving at the battle of Trafalgar; in later life, a Royal Navy Commander. Ex Newbury antique emporium. Property of a Berkshire, UK, gentleman collector.

The sword and brooch are believed to have belonged to Eaton in later life, when he had been promoted to the rank of Commander. The Trafalgar Roll (p.53) and other sources record his career in some detail. James Eaton was born in London in 1783 and entered service in the Royal Navy in 1799, aged 16, aboard the Quebec stationed in the West Indies, and in 1800 he was appointed Midshipman to the vessel La Prompte. He was in the mizentop of the Hannibal in the action off Algeciras, Spain, in 1801 when she was obliged to surrender, having sustained losses of 81 men killed and 62 wounded; he was then in an exchange of prisoners and returned to Britain aboard the San Antonio which had been captured from the Spanish in battle at Cadiz. As a midshipman in 1803, he served on the Atalante intercepting enemy smuggling and supply vessels near St. Gildas in the bay of Quiberon, Brittany. Eaton was the Signal Midshipman of the Téméraire at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and was the first signal officer to repeat Nelson's famous message 'England expects that every man will do his duty' to the rest of the fleet, an illustrious and important achievement: J.M.W. Turner created a magnificent painting of the Téméraire which is now featured on United Kingdom £20 notes. This ship took part in the thick of the action at Trafalgar - she came alongside and was lashed to the French ships Fougeux and Redoutable, the crew of which was about to board Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory until a broadside was delivered which caused a huge loss of life and saved Nelson's vessel from the hands of the French. He was promoted to lieutenant the following year and appointed to the Lion where he served for six years. He sustained wounds in an action aboard the Lion while escorting a convoy to China and took part in 1811 in the invasion of Java mounted against the Dutch East India Company. In 1813, he was aboard the Beaver when she rescued the crew of a Swedish merchant vessel and received a distinction for his part in the action. He retired in 1842 with the rank of Commander with the Naval General Service Medal and two clasps in recognition of his distinguished career. He finally settled in West Bromwich; he died fifteen years later. Less glorious, perhaps, is his nickname 'Snotty' Eaton - the normal term in those days used to describe any midshipman. The vendor has been told by Will Heppa, curator at the Royal Navy Museum, that there appears to be only one 'J Eaton' in the records of the appropriate period; there is thus every reason to accept that the sword did belong to the Eaton of Trafalgar fame.

A collection of three Boxer .450 brass cartridge cases, plus two lead bullet heads, fired from British Martini-Henry rifles during the battle between British forces and the main Zulu army. 88 grams total, 31-60 mm



Found by local Zulu people living at Khambula, South Africa, 1990s-early 2000s. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.

The battle resulted in a heavy defeat for the Zulus, who had been full of confidence from their earlier victories against the British at Isandlwana and Hlobane.

A collection of battlefield artefacts, including a rare lock plate and hammer mechanism from a destroyed Zulu musket rifle, and Boxer .450 brass cartridge bullet cases, and other items. 380 grams total, 1.9-14.3 cm



Found by local Zulu people living at Khambula, South Africa, 1990s-early 2000s. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.

The battle resulted in a heavy defeat for the Zulus, who had been full of confidence from their earlier victories against the British at Isandlwana and Hlobane.

A metal bottle with a cap and a canvas cover with a belt hanger. 580 grams, 22.5 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an Essex militaria collector.

A pair of heated liners in green fabric with connectors. 362 grams total, 34 cm long



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an Essex militaria collector.

Black-painted model of a four-engine heavy bomber. 304 grams, 46.3 cm wide



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an Essex militaria collector.

Comprising: Dinky Toys Sea King helicopter; Dinky Toys DUKW amphibian; a Scammell breakdown truck; Austin water truck; Austin radio truck; and a field gun. 401 grams total, 61-15.7 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an Essex militaria collector.

Comprising: Dinky Toys US Army recovery truck; a Dinky Toys transport vehicle with a canopy; Corgi steam wagon; Corgi landrover with a trailer; Lledo Royal Navy transport vehicle. 517 grams total, 9.2-15.5 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an Essex militaria collector.

A large Type G-1 oxygen tank with stencilled lettering 'BREATHING OXYGEN' and technical information on the side. 8.2 kg, 61 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an Essex militaria collector.

Circular cap made by Universal Metal Products Inc. Alhambra, California, serial number 39B5435. 425 grams, 11 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an Essex militaria collector.

Comprising five transportable gun models, including an ammunition limber and a Howitzer field cannon. 515 grams total, 7.5-13.5 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an Essex militaria collector.

White fabric slippers in paper wrapping, size 2. 178 grams, 33.5 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an Essex militaria collector.