The General Sir John Maxwell Personal Black Watch & Coldstream Guards Photo Archive Museum-Grade 5-Piece Unframed Estate Lot – Original Presentation Plaque & Printed Mat Elements. This specific lot directly reflects the military legacy of General Sir John Grenfell Maxwell, whose only daughter, Helena, married into the Carver family. Please check my other auctions for related family heirlooms. Sourced directly via descent from the immediate family estate, these four salvaged photographs were personally owned by General Sir John Grenfell Maxwell. Most famously known in world history as the British Commander-in-Chief who suppressed the historic 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland, General Maxwell also served as the distinguished Regimental Colonel for the Black Watch in the 1920s. These photos have been removed from their original frames and present a spectacular historical restoration project. While there is prominent peripheral water damage to the antique cardboard matting from decades of estate storage, portions of the original printed mats can be easily salvaged, fully preserving the critical names, dates, and crests. Offered entirely unframed and flat-packed, this archive is a rare opportunity to acquire direct, personal command pieces from an elite WWI/Interwar military dynasty. Piece 1: The Silver Presentation Plaque. Dimensions: Measures approximately 3.5″ x 1″. Text Engraving: Reads explicitly: Presented to the Colonel of the Black Watch, By the Officers of his Second Battalion, 20th June 1925. Context: Salvaged directly from the frame of Photo 1, this plaque (which I believe to be silver) represents a direct, personal tribute gifted to General Maxwell by his subordinate officers. It retains its authentic age-tarnish and original mounting rivets on the reverse side. Piece 2: The Officers Portfolio – 2nd Battalion The Black Watch (Bordon, 1925). Mat Dimensions: 16″ x 12″. Printed Text: “The Officers, 2nd Battalion The Black Watch, Bordon, 1925″. Identification & Publishers: General Maxwell himself is clearly visible, seated directly in the middle of the front row wearing a peaked cap and holding his swagger stick. The lower mount features the official studio stamps: Gale & Polden, Ltd. ” and “Aldershot and London. Condition Note: This is the photo that originally housed the silver presentation plaque. Both the central photograph and the printed description block are well-preserved and can be easily salvaged/matted. Piece 3: The Cairo Command – 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards (Cairo, March 1911). Mat Dimensions: 18″ x 11″ (Central photographic print measures 11.5″ x 6″). Printed Text: “3rd Battn Coldstream Guards, Cairo, March, 1911″. Studio Photographer: Stamped by the legendary Near East studio G. This image directly documents General Maxwell’s extensive command tenure and military governance over the Egyptian theater. The photo and the crisp upper description text block can be easily salvaged. Piece 4: Imperial Durbar Assembly – The British High Commissioner & Malay Rulers c. Mat Dimensions: Heavy mat measures 18″ x 15.25″. Description: A magnificent, large-scale formal diplomatic portrait documenting a historic Conference of Rulers (Durbar) held at Government House under the grand carriage porch in Kuala Lumpur, British Malaya. Context: Features an extraordinary assembly of sovereign Malay Sultans in traditional royal regalia seated directly alongside British High Command staff, including General Sir John Maxwell in formal white tropical dress uniform. Piece 5: The Non-Coms Archive – 2nd Battalion The Black Watch Sergeants’ Mess (Bordon, Dec 1922). Printed Text: “Members, Sergeants’ Mess, 2nd Battalion The Black Watch, Bordon, December 1922″. Details: Features a sweeping troop lineup in full Highland dress. General Maxwell’s name appears directly within the printed lineup text. Restoration Note: This mat is structurally stable enough that a collector could simply overlay an additional custom decorative mat and frame it immediately. Condition & Conservation Summary This lot is offered in salvaged, antique condition as an ideal restoration project. The four central photographic prints are remarkably crisp, maintaining strong charcoal tones, deep contrast, and sharp detail. The heavy estate cardboard matting shows prominent, historical water staining, foxing, and peripheral tidelines from storage as pictured. However, because the text blocks, names, and General Maxwell’s central seating positions are completely clear, these items can be easily trimmed, custom overlay-matted, and beautifully restored. The loose silver presentation plaque will be individually wrapped in bubble wrap and securely enclosed.
Interwar Era Turkish Mauser Bayonet Model 1935 AS. FA’Askeri Fabrika’ 8mm Cal. As Photographed with wear and age as seen (please see photos for condition). A Great Candidate for any Collection, War Room, or Display. Recent Estate Collection Acquisition & Presented as Acquired. Check back often – we search estates and sources across the world to bring a fine selection of militaria. Please review all photos for details regarding the condition of the item listed – further condition information will be included in the listing as is relevant, if you need additional photographs or have questions regarding the condition please do not hesitate to ask. I describe all items to the best of my ability – please do not hesitate to ask any and all questions prior to the close of the listing. Mistakes very rarely occur – however if one does please rest assured that it will be corrected. International Buyers are Welcome!
Interwar Turkish Model 1935 Mauser Bayonet’AS. FA Askeri Fabrika’ M1935 Surplus. FA Askeri Fabrika’ M1935 Surplus Issued Condition. As Photographed with wear and age as seen (please see photos for condition). A Great Candidate for any Collection, War Room, or Display. Recent Estate Collection Acquisition & Presented as Acquired. Check back often – we search estates and sources across the world to bring a fine selection of militaria. Please review all photos for details regarding the condition of the item listed – further condition information will be included in the listing as is relevant, if you need additional photographs or have questions regarding the condition please do not hesitate to ask. I describe all items to the best of my ability – please do not hesitate to ask any and all questions prior to the close of the listing. Mistakes very rarely occur – however if one does please rest assured that it will be corrected. International Buyers are Welcome!
ORIGINAL EARLY 1920’S INTERWAR PERIOD UNITED STATES ARMY AIR CORPS PILOT WINGS, 3 INCH FULL SIZE, PIN-BACK. WEIGHT: 26 GRAMS UNMARKED STERLING SILVER. During World War II, with the rise of the Army Air Forces, a second series of aviator badges were issued to include a design that has survived to the modern day. The Pilot Badge was issued in three degrees, including Pilot, Senior Pilot, and Command Pilot. A polished silver colored version of these badges is currently used as the United States Air Force Pilot Badges. From August 1941 to November 1942, the Enlisted Aviator program was restarted. Candidates had to be at least 18, possess a high school diploma, and have graduated at the top of their high school class. Graduates were rated as Flight Staff Sergeants or Flight Technical Sergeants and wore the same pilot’s wings as officers. They were usually assigned to pilots of transport and auxiliary aircraft to free officer pilots to pilot the more prestigious fighters and bombers. Auxiliary pilots received their own special wings to indicate their status and specialty. In November 1942 all enlisted pilots were promoted to Flight Officer rank and enlisted cadets were graded as Flight Officers or Second Lieutenants depending on merit. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you!
Brazilian Army Brazil M-1935 Bayonet 7mm Mauser Rifle German Export – Interwar. Original Brazilian Army Brazil M-1935 Bayonet 7mm Mauser Rifle German Export – Interwar, Good Issued. As Photographed with wear and age as seen (please see photos for condition). A Great Candidate for any Collection, War Room, or Display. Recent Estate Collection Acquisition & Presented as Acquired. Check back often – we search estates and sources across the world to bring our customers a fine selection of militaria. Please review all photos for details regarding the condition of the item listed – further condition information will be included in the listing as is relevant, if you need additional photographs or have questions regarding the condition please do not hesitate to ask. I describe all items to the best of my ability – please do not hesitate to ask any and all questions prior to the close of the listing. Mistakes very rarely occur – however if one does please rest assured that it will be corrected. International Buyers are Welcome!
This product is a lot of 2 original NAMED to John E. Sandow, pilot’s book log air service records from the U. Army USAAS in the 1930s. These vintage documents provide a glimpse into the military aviation history of the United States during the interwar period. With a theme of militaria, these records offer a unique insight into the activities and operations of the U. Army Air Service during this significant time in history. Perfect for collectors of historical military memorabilia, these original documents from the 1930s are a valuable addition to any collection.
Interwar Era Netherlands Dutch Army Infantry M-34 Combat Helmet Liner & Chinstrap. Interwar Era Netherlands Dutch Army Infantry Model 1934 Combat Helmet Liner & Chinstrap – Good Issued Condition. As Photographed with wear and age as seen (please see photos for condition). A Great Candidate for any Collection, War Room, or Display. Recent Estate Collection Acquisition & Presented as Acquired, Very Scarce. Check back often – we search estates and sources across the world to bring a fine selection of militaria. Please review all photos for details regarding the condition of the item listed – further condition information will be included in the listing as is relevant, if you need additional photographs or have questions regarding the condition please do not hesitate to ask. I describe all items to the best of my ability – please do not hesitate to ask any and all questions prior to the close of the listing. Mistakes very rarely occur – however if one does please rest assured that it will be corrected. International Buyers are Welcome!
WWI – Interwar USN Navy Service Type Sailors Flat Cap S. FORT RILEY Tally with some moth hits as shown – Overall Good Condition. As Photographed with wear and age as seen (see photos for condition). A Great Candidate for any Collection, War Room, or Display. Recent Estate Collection Acquisition & Presented as Acquired, Scarce. Check back often – we search estates and sources across the world to bring a fine selection of militaria. Please review all photos for details regarding the condition of the item listed – further condition information will be included in the listing as is relevant, if you need additional photographs or have questions regarding the condition please do not hesitate to ask. I describe all items to the best of my ability – please do not hesitate to ask any and all questions prior to the close of the listing. Mistakes very rarely occur – however if one does please rest assured that it will be corrected. International Buyers are Welcome!
These appear to be of Central European manufacture (most likely Germany, but not certain), likely made for civilian or general field use. They are solidly constructed with brass components, black textured barrels, and original stamped markings. Both eyepieces rotate smoothly. When properly focused, the image is clear, sharp, and single. No double vision observed. No obvious haze, clouding, or separation noted during use. Optics have not been professionally serviced; evaluation is based on careful visual inspection and use. Vintage condition consistent with age and normal use. Original patina present throughout. A previously active area of green verdigris on the brass plate has been carefully stabilized and removed without polishing or refinishing. No aggressive cleaning performed; original character preserved. All stamped markings remain crisp and legible. Boxed emblem and inspection marking present (see photos). Includes the original leather carrying case with strap. Includes original leather strap on binoculars, as well. Leather shows expected age-related wear. All stitching intact; no loose or hanging threads. Case and straps remain fully usable. Interior of case is clean. These binoculars are best described as inter-war European field binoculars. They are not marked as issued military equipment. Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the description.
ORIGINAL LATE 1920’S INTERWAR PERIOD UNITED STATES ARMY AIR CORPS PILOT WINGS, 3 INCH FULL SIZE, PIN-BACK W/ OPEN “C” CATCH. During World War II, with the rise of the Army Air Forces, a second series of aviator badges were issued to include a design that has survived to the modern day. The Pilot Badge was issued in three degrees, including Pilot, Senior Pilot, and Command Pilot. A polished silver colored version of these badges is currently used as the United States Air Force Pilot Badges. From August 1941 to November 1942, the Enlisted Aviator program was restarted. Candidates had to be at least 18, possess a high school diploma, and have graduated at the top of their high school class. Graduates were rated as Flight Staff Sergeants or Flight Technical Sergeants and wore the same pilot’s wings as officers. They were usually assigned to pilots of transport and auxiliary aircraft to free officer pilots to pilot the more prestigious fighters and bombers. Auxiliary pilots received their own special wings to indicate their status and specialty. In November 1942 all enlisted pilots were promoted to Flight Officer rank and enlisted cadets were graded as Flight Officers or Second Lieutenants depending on merit. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you!