December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
A collection of 29 artifacts found near a cantonment occupied during the War of 1812 by the 2nd Battalion of Royal Marines and Royal Navy personnel, as well as British Army detachments, based on my study of the component artifacts. These artifacts were water recoveries by a relic-collecting diver who sold them Mark Fraterrigo, from whom purchased in 2008. Said diver is said to have worked on military and naval sites associated with the war along the Niagara River corridor, as well as the Toronto and Kingston areas, so more exact provenance is currently elusive. It consists of two oval brass buckles and one brass slider of the form used on the waistbelts issued to carry Sea Service Swords (cutlasses), the only complete example of which is also in this sale. Associated with this are two, sheet-brass chapes or drags and a brass locket from Royal Navy cutlass scabbard. The smaller brass locket and two brass finials are from bayonet scabbards and a remarkably intact T-shaped guntool, with screwdriver, spike and napping hammer--the type issued to NCOs in the British military. Other military artifacts include the female half of a neckstock clasp, a fragment from a British cap plate, a gaiter button of the 41st Foot, 3 Royal Marine buttons and 2 small brass buttons with anchor devices--probably used on sailor's jackets or possibly Marine gaiters. Personal objects include a cylindrical case of horn for needles and pins, a decanter stopper, a spoon and a lead whizzer. Nautical pieces include copper spikes. Acquired from Mark Fraterrigo, 2006.