A collection of early British coinage – valued at around £300,000 – is being auctioned by Morton & Eden in London on December 7-8.
The group, which includes a penny from the reign of William the Conqueror and a King Henry VIII gold sovereign, was started by Dr John Sharp in the 17th century.
Born in 1644, Sharp’s enthusiasm for coins and medals is believed to have begun around 1687 when, as Rector of St Giles in the Fields, he “found it a good divertisement in the evening”. He became Archbishop of York from 1691 until his death in 1714. Subsequent family members added to the collection including Sharp’s grandson, anti-slavery campaigner Granville Sharp (1735-1813).
This George III silver anti-slavery medal dates from c.1790 and shows a slave kneeling in chains and bearing the inscription whatsoever/ ye would that/ men should do/ to you, do ye/ even so to/ them. Estimate £600-800.
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An Inuit or Yupik marine ivory two-piece hand harpoon, complete with its detachable head and iron tip, has been consigned by the descendant of a 19th century Grand Tourer to Winchester saleroom Andrew Smith & Son.
This 18in (46cm) long harpoon also features a tapering shaft pierced with cylindrical holes. This would have once been used to attach the shaft and head together with a walrus or sealskin thong (leather has been used in the picture).
Thought to date from the 19th century or earlier, it is estimated at £800-1200 on December 12-13.
This striking enamel silver brooch is attributed to Phoebe Anna Traquair (1852-1936) – the first woman elected to the Royal Scottish Academy.
Believed to date from c.1909, the 2 x 1½in (5 x 4cm) piece depicts a slumbering figure flanked by two angels.
It appears to be a reverse version of a 1909 enamel panel titled The Dream in the Victoria and Albert Museum collection, which formed part of an extensive donation to the museum in 1976 from the artist’s granddaughter. The brooch is estimated at £1200-1500 in Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s sale in Taunton on December 7.
A hunter watch and war diary belonging to a Spitfire pilot will go under the hammer at Beech Auctions in Cornwall on December 7.
The effects were owned by Ian Robertson Parker, who earned his Battle of Britain clasp in 1940 with the 611 Squadron.
The 18ct rose gold semi-hunter wristwatch, made in 1923 by Charles Nicholet, is engraved with Parker’s initials and his 21st birthday. It is estimated at £700-1500, and will be offered with his 1929 Aviator’s Certificate and other ephemera.
Parker’s Bae Filton House issue 1941 diary, also shown, in which he wrote daily throughout the war, is valued at £400-1000.
