Bonhams' November 27 auction of Antique Arms and Armour has been led by a historic group of memorabilia relating to British Inspector General Thomas Young (1753-1836).
 Young is shown wearing almost all the items included in the collection |
Young's career as a military surgeon began in 1776, and he rose to become the inspector of hospitals, serving under the then Duke of York (Prince Frederick). The collection charts much of his fascinating career, offering a portrait, medals and correspondence, as well as an Ottoman shamshir sword. The collection sold for £18,750 ($30,463).
The portrait shows Young standing in a scarlet tunic, wearing his Ottoman sabre and gold Sultan's medal for Egypt, as well as the fob-seal that was also included in the collection. An oval miniature portrait of Young, hinged to the box of his medal for Egypt, accompanied.
Offering a tantalising opportunity for research was one letter that refers to the sword included in the lot as "Bonaparte's sword", having been gifted to Young while in Paris following his service in Egypt. Young was deployed in Egypt to defend Britain's trade routes and interests again Napoleon's forces.
 S Brunn was the gunmaker to the prince of wales and the prince regent |
Also achieving £18,750 was a rare pair of case 25-bore D. B. flintlock criiage pistols, made circa 1800 by S Brunn of Charing Cross, London - gunmaker to the prince of Wales and prince regent.
Paul Fraser Collectibles is currently offering a superb selection of militaria for sale, including signed letters from Napoleon, Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.
