Hungerford Arcade is very proud to show you more of the vintage Military Vehicles from last week’s show where they raised lots of money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appreal.

Thank you to June and Gary Crook for organising this very important event and for all the members who came along in their wonderful vehicles.

Our good friend, Roy Parr with his superb Willis Jeep

The very heavy rifle in original mount in Roy Parr’s Willis Jeep

George Ralph’s British Army vehicle made by the Austin Motor Company and has a Rolls Royce engine (See the document alongside this picture). The army version was officially known as “Truck, 1/4 ton, CT, 4×4, Cargo & FFW, Austin Mk.1” however the civilian name “Champ” was universally, if unofficially, applied to it. Fabulous vehicle.

History of George Ralph’s Austin Champ

4 year old Jessica with her dad, Richard. Both are having a wonderful time in Chris’ Jeep

Thought I would take a picture of June on her own, but can you see what husband Gary is doing from the driver’s seat? He’s a cheeky chappy!

Lovely June Crook with her beloved Land Rover. Husband, Gary sitting inside posing with his Action Man!

Ashley Simpkins with his amazing Pinzgauer Troop Carrier

Paul McLean is from the Nuclear Monitory Post at Great Bedwyn. Built in 1925, it was originally for the Royal Observers Corps and was in use up until the 1990’s. Paul said they do field trips where you can go downstairs and see and feel what it must have been like during war time. You can get details on line at the Royal Observer Corps. Gary and June Crook are strong corps members.

Stunning Willis Jeep in desert colours

Hungerford Arcade, as our regular readers know, have a wonderful people come in and some have amazing stories.  Bill Jackman is one of those people.  He has an amazing collection of solid silver miniature chairs and kindly sent us this article which I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

ANTIQUE SILVER CHAIRS IN MINIATURE

Research has shown that silver miniature chairs, along with many other silver miniatures items, were made in abundance in Amsterdam (The Netherlands), from 1725-75.
The first dolls’ house was introduced into Holland from Germany in the 17th century and this accelerated the demand of silver chairs to furnish these small masterpieces of craftsmanship.
The main customers were the wealthy ladies of Dutch families and there was great rivalry to furnish their dolls’ house with the best silver furniture and equipment.

Large dolls’ houses had 12 rooms and all of which required at least one silver chair.
The production of silver toys in Amsterdam increased to satisfy the request internal and from abroad. The export of silver miniatures from the Netherlands continues today, though the numbers of silversmiths have vastly decreased.
 

A pair of 18th century Dutch, hand made silver chairs. Height 65mm, weight 26g each (Author’s collection). There are no hallmarks or import marks. This pair of chairs has double stretchers fitted to the undersides. This is a rare feature present on early chairs from Holland. Pictures of this type of chairs can be found in the book “Netherland Silver Miniatures of 17th and 18th century” by John Endlick. Text is in Dutch but the book is illustrated with many pictures of chairs.

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An 18th century, silver, handmade, Dutch four ladder back chair with double stretchers. Height 73mm, Weight 38g. London import mark 1896 by David Bridge. Maker’s marks have been erased (Author’s collection)	.	A selection of silver chairs in various sizes. The tallest is a ‘pin cushion’ chair by W.Cummings, 1902. Height 150mm, Weight 100g. The smallest chair is 18 mm high (Author’s collection). All the chairs bear the original owner’s name, registration number, hallmark and maker’s mark. Prices for rare chairs like these are rising fast.

Four special chairs (from left to right) – Lord Alfred Tennyson by Levi & Salaman (1910) – Edward II Coronation Chair (maker CD, 1901) – Nelson’s chair (maker Levi & Salaman, 1910) – Charles Dickens chair (maker Levi & Salaman, 1910) (Author’s collection)

The majority of silver chairs manufactured in the Netherlands were 60-70 mm in height. Yet a few examples were only 40 mm tall.  Owing to the narrow gauge of the metal most of the Dutch chairs do not bears hallmark or maker’s mark or are left unmarked to avoid damages to the artifact.

Dutch chairs exported to the UK bear full sets of British silver import marks. This type of hallmarking has been mandatory since 1867 and continues to be requested in present days.  In 1904 the familiar “F” mark used (1867-1904) in imported wares was discontinued and replaced by the use of a new set of Assay Office town marks.

Sometimes, misunderstanding the meaning of the import mark, less experienced dealers date the manufacture of a piece by the corresponding date-letter of the import mark. It may be happen that very old Dutch silver chairs, bearing only British hallmarking, are traded as artifacts made in the UK in the mid or late 20th century.

Ancient handmade Dutch silver chairs are easily recognised by their irregular workmanship. Usually, the ladder back supports do not match up as they have been hand cut and soldered in place.

In present days silver chairs are still manufactured in Holland by skilled workers, but, unfortunately, no new design is produced and most of the output is a mere replica the models of the past. This is a pity, as today production presents high levels of workmanship.

Silver chairs were made in Germany, mainly in Hanau, producing items of exquisite designs. Most of Hanau chairs carry an assortment of pseudo-hallmarks. These chairs are usually of fine quality, though many of them have been mass produced and stamped out by machine.  Miniature chairs have been produced also in other countries, most of them with no hallmarks or makers marks.  Some of the larger ones have been adapted as menu holders.

Most of the chairs in my collection, are, as far as I am aware, made of Sterling silver, except some of them which are of the lower 800/1000 silver fineness.

Two fine examples of German chairs and their marks.
Height 65mm, Weight 28 g each
 

Silver chair made in China in 1905 by Sing Fat and its mark.
Height 48mm, Weight 20 g each,

Silver chairs can be purchased on eBay, in antique fairs and, sometimes, in antique shops.
Good quality chairs are hard to find and expensive. Some of these early chairs can be found at Sotheby’s.

The majority of Dutch and German silver chairs appear to have woven hemp seating, though simulated leather seating are frequent.
 

A Dutch silver miniature of a tradesman weaving the seat on a chair with flax covering

Two spectacular Hanau silver armchairs, possibly mid 19th century. They are stamped with nude nymphs and elegant figures of ladies and gentlemen dressed in 18th century clothes. This was a very common feature on decoration of German silver miniatures.
Height 75mm, Weight 30 g each

A modern set of matching chairs and table with a cat on a chair looking greedily at fishes on the table. On the right hand leg can be seen a kitten playing with a ball. The silver has been anodised to give a gold effect.

The set has British hallmarks, maker’s initials SJR (possibly S.J. Rose & Son), Birmingham 1973. Total weight 100 g.

Two large silver chairs fitted with red velvet cushions, so they can be used as pin cushions.
The chair on the left was made by W. Cummins, 1902 and that on the right was made by J & W Deakin, Chester 1902. Their weigh is 100 g. each.

A selection of Dutch ladder back chairs c. 18-19th century. It is easy to see the irregularities in these handmade artifacts. Some of them bear hallmarks.

An anodised silver throne, known in Italy as “Savonarola chair”. A recent author’s acquisition

Four chairs from a set of six all with leather seats and back rests, with silver tassels front and sides. The country and maker are unknown. The style has been credited as being Art Nouveau, early 20th century.

In conclusion may I say that collecting silver chairs and miniatures is a fascinating and profitable hobby.

Bill Jackman

Just a reminder that the Model Steam Engine Show will be taking place next Sunday, 15th November from 10.00 to 3.00 pm.  This very popular event is always a great family day out – if the ‘Gods’ are good to us and it doesn’t rain.  If it is raining, unfortunately, the show will not take place.  So, fingers crossed for a nice dry day!

Back row L-R: George Ralph, Keith Brigstock, Georgie Davidson, Ashley Simpkins, Tim Perry, June Crook, Chris Freeman, Bob Williams Front row L-R: Roy Parr, Richard Tallack, Andy Dawson, Gary Crook, Kim (General Patton).

We were so proud to have the wonderful men and women, dressed in WWII uniforms outside the Arcade with their fabulous vintage Military Vehicles once again this year. Everyone at the Arcade and the Royal British Legion send their sincere thanks for all that they have done.   Not only do they raise money for the Poppy Appeal, but they give memories back to people who remember these vehicles from the War and what their parents and grand-parents did during that time.  As you will see from the photos, young people are fascinated by these vehicles and the people who own them. 

Andy Dawson turned the Bedford MWR (Radio) truck into a field kitchen. He’s a great cook!

Keith Brigstock with the immaculate Austin Staff Car

Original Radio equipment in Andy’s Bedford MWR

Henry trying out Gary Crook’s rare Bedford OY Fuel Tanker

Gary Crook with his stunning Bedford OY Fuel Tanker – A very rare lorry

Kim whom I christened, General Patton. He looked amazing

Arcade co-owner, Adrian Gilmour with Kim aka Gen. Patton

Kim’s (Gen. Patton) amazing Dodge WC52 (Weapons Carrier) 1942

Rita with Kim whom she named Gen. Patton

Tim Perry looking very smart with his marvellous Royal Enfield Military Motorbike

I will be posting more photos tomorrow so please look out for them.

Halloween is always fun at Hungerford Arcade –  or so we thought!  When suddenly and without warning, two witches flew down from the sky.  They parked their brooms in the Arcade doorway, the door creaked and the glass rattled as they made their entrance.  The older one, carrying a snowy owl on the end of her hand, cried out,  “We have come this day of Halloween to awaken the spooks who dwell within the bowels of this Arcade”.  The chandeliers shook on the ceilings and lights flickered.  Fearful of the witches, we greeted them kindly hoping they would look upon us favourably, but it became obvious, mischief was on their mind.  

They stalked the Arcade and there came across stallholder, Don Greenslade.  We all gasped and wondered what they had in store for poor Don, when the older witch grabbed him and then, without warning, planted a big kiss on the side of his face.  Then, the young witch did exactly the same.  What is going on? we thought.  All became clear when the witches showed their faces.  We gasped as we looked upon them…… They were Jayne Greenslade (Don’s lovely wife) and his gorgeous daughter, Vicky.  It turned out to be another great day at the Arcade after all!

Recently, I had occasion to be walking past the Crown Court in Reading when I noticed that a memorial had been erected opposite the elegant gates of the building.  On closer inspection, I found that the memorial was in memory of a certain Frederick William Owen Potts who to date, has won the only Victoria Cross associated with the town.

But who was Fred Potts, and what were the circumstances of his gallantry, and what became of him?

Fred was actually born in 1892 in the Katesgrove area of Reading and lived a very obscure life until 1913 when he saved a boy called Charles Rex from drowning in the River Thames, which earned him gratitude and notice at the time.

By 1915, Fred was a soldier serving in 1/1^st Berkshire Yeomanry and found himself involved in the treacherous Gallipoli Campaign.  On the 21^st of August 1915, Fred found himself with a severely wounded comrade very near to some Turkish trenches. He himself had been wounded in the thigh but remained with his fellow soldier for over two days.  Knowing that their position was perilous, Fred constructed a sledge of sorts by attaching a shovel to the equipment of his wounded friend. He then dragged the man over six hundred yards to safety with both being under enemy fire for the whole duration.  For this bravery, Trooper Potts was awarded the Victoria Cross, and after a stay in hospital, he returned to the conflict where he achieved the rank of lance-corporal.

After the war, he kept a tailors shop in Alpine Street and like many other soldiers, slowly faded back into obscurity.  Sadly, Fred died young at the age of fifty on the 2nd of November 1943. He was buried at the Reading Crematorium where his grave can be found.

The Victoria Cross and other medals that belonged to Fred are now held by the Imperial War Museum.  Although Fred died young, the soldier that he saved, a man named Arthur Andrews, lived a long life only passing away in 1980 aged eighty-nine.  Charles Rex, the five year old boy he saved from drowning in 1913 also enjoyed a long life thanks to Fred, surviving until he was nearly ninety.  It was not until 2009 and after a radio documentary, that a reunion took place at the Imperial War Museum between the relatives of both Arthur and Fred.

Shortly after this, plans were put into place that a permanent memorial be erected in honour of Trooper Potts.  The choice of location near to the beautiful Forbury Gardens was a good one and one can see not only the memorial to Fred but a small and interesting permanent exhibition.  There is also an associated memorial, the Maiwand Lion, listing the men of Reading who perished during the horrors of World War One.

Fred also had a new road named after him in Reading, in a rather busy location to say the least.  Trooper Potts Way can be found outside of the back entrance to Reading Railway Station.  I wonder how many of the people using this thoroughfare stop and think of who Trooper Fred Potts actually was and why he is now quite celebrated by this large Berkshire town?

Stuart Miller-Osborne

June is first on the left Gary is in the centre (Is that a fur collar Gary?)

Hungerford Arcade stallholders, Gary and June Crook own two of the military vehicles that will be on display outside the Arcade on Sunday 1st November.  They have just returned from another successful tour with The Royal Observer Group and their vintage military vehicles, this time in Belgium and Germany.

Gary and June came into the Arcade this week to do something very special to their unit.  They cleared two shelves of militaria which was for sale and replaced it with a military display for Remembrance. As you can see from the pictures, they did a marvellous job.

When you are next in Hungerford, call into the Arcade and take a look at Gary and June’s very special unit 28 and our Memorial window.