Thomas Del Mar

“By god, sir, I’ve lost my leg.” “By god, sir, so you have.” One of the most famous verbal exchanges in military history was recalled when lot 342 was sold by London auctioneer Thomas Del Mar on June 28.

Autograph albums, pocket watches and vases are the more usual fare for a valuer who gives a talk to a local group and asks people to bring along interesting items. A superb late 16th century gun is a very different matter.

If you want to imagine what a bulletproof vest might look like if designed in the 16th century, a couple of fascinating pieces of very rare armour bought by the Victoria & Albert Museum give a clue.

Thomas del Mar’s second sale of items from the John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection on May 7 included a number of related items, such as this 3ft 7in (1.1m) high panted limestone carving of St Eligius or Eloi, patron saint of horses and farriers.

A gold sword that belonged to the bodyguard of Empress Catherine II of Russia is estimated at £40,000-60,000 in Thomas Del Mar’s December 5 Antique Arms, Armour and Militaria sale in West Kensington, London.

To most people air guns are the low-powered toys that little boys play about with in the back garden, but the air rifle has a surprisingly long history and at one time they were among the most feared weapons on the battlefield.

A remarkable survivor from a landmark battle in British military history is coming up for sale at Thomas Del Mar in West Kensington on June 27.