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New Shop Opening Soon.

2010-06-02T19:56:41+00:00

Hello all.

It’s been a while since anything has been written but we’ve been flat out trying to get our Cotswolds shop open. Still wrapped up in legal red tape but things are moving in the right direction. The location will be the lovely historical market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. The antique and collectables trade is thriving down there and we hope to be in there mid July. The physical shop premises will allow us to expand our stock as well hold items that are less ‘postal friendly’. We have some fine pieces tucked away for this as well as a pretty extensive collection of military related books and pictures as well as our usual array of uniform and headgear.

We’re still on the lookout for collections so please get in touch if you are selling or know of someone who is. Keep an eye on either the blog, our newsletter or Twitter! as we will be posting information as we progress. Would be nice to see some of you down on the opening day for a glass of wine and perhaps a nibble or two!

Apologies about the lack of pieces on our website and eBay store but we’re completely consumed by the shop at the moment. Once we get the doors open we hope to get back to full strength online again.

In the meantime, we have some bits and bobs for sale on eBay and our webstore so be sure to take a look.

Look forward to hearing from you all again soon!

New Items on Battlefield Collectables – and more to come!

2010-03-30T14:39:26+00:00

Hello all.

We enjoyed huge success with the Gladstone Coldstream Guards items that recently sold. Congratulations on all those that managed to snap up a piece of that very important collection.

We’re changing tact slightly at Battlefield Collectables. What we’re intending on doing from now on is instead of putting up items once or twice a week and running the risk of listing fillers, we are going to spend a whole month pulling together some of the best bits we can find and then listing the lot around the middle Thursday of each month. There may be less quantity in the long run but we will make that up in quality.

To kick us off in April, we are about to list a big batch of late 19th C / early 20th C Royal Navy uniform, swords, books and related items all belonging to one family. There’s about 4 or 5 family members worth of stuff in there and one of the members is a Montagu Burrows – celebrated author and the first know lecturer on Naval History at Oxford University, England.

We plan to have some really fantastic items ready for you including full dress uniform, bicorne’s etc. There’s even an original Gieves sea chest! Most of it will be going up in our eBay store but to avoid the good people at eBay having a field day on our account, we’ll be listing the dress swords and any other ‘offensive’ items (in their eyes) in our own webstore. They’ll all go up simultaneously so you’ll need to keep an eye on both sites! The provisional date for this launch is the 15th April.

As well as these items going up in April, we’ve recently listed some nice 19th Century flintlock pistols, a couple of stunning levee dress sporrans and 2 genuine Lance cap plates to the 16th and 5th Lancers. These are all in our new-look webstore so be sure to take a look.

Look forward to hearing from you all again soon!

New items on our Official Website, and more to come!

2010-03-30T14:38:07+00:00

Hello all.

We enjoyed huge success with the Gladstone Coldstream Guards items that recently sold. Congratulations on all those that managed to snap up a piece of that very important collection.

We’re changing tact slightly at Battlefield Collectables. What we’re intending on doing from now on is instead of putting up items once or twice a week and risk falling foul to just listing fillers, since we are hell bent on bringing you the best militaria we can find, we are going to spend a whole month pulling together some of the best bits we can find and then listing the lot around the middle Thursday of each month. There may be less quantity but we will make that up in quantity.

We plan to have some really fantastic items ready for you including full dress uniform, bicorne’s etc. There’s even an original Gieves sea chest! Most of it will be going up in our eBay store but to avoid the good people at eBay having a field day on our account, we’ll be listing the dress swords and any other ‘offensive’ items in our own webstore. They’ll go up simultaneously so you’ll need to keep an eye on both sites.

As well as these items going up in April, we’ve just listed some nice 19th Century flintlock pistols, a couple of stunning levee dress sporrans and 2 genuine Lance cap plates of the 16th and 5th Lancers. These are all in our new-look webstore so be sure to take a look.

Fancy buying anything from our webstore? If so, just enter the word ‘SPRING’ at the checkout stage and enjoy 10% off your purchases. Available right across the store and available for a short time only!

New Items from Battlefield Collectables

2010-02-28T19:11:39+00:00

Hello all!

We’ve just taken in some very significant Coldstream Guards uniform due to start in our eBay store on Thursday 4th March at 9pm GMT. As usual, all items start at just 99p to give everyone a chance. The pieces ranging from full dress tunics to tropical outfits used in the Sudan conflicts circa 1885 all belonged to Sir John Robert Gladstone, 3rd Baronet and Captain of the 1st Battalion, the Coldstream Guards. John Gladstone was also the nephew of the British Prime Minister William Gladstone which makes them very significant. The quality of these pieces is exceptional and in most cases, the condition is also first class.

We’ve never had the privilege of handling some of these pieces before and they will not disappoint so be sure to take a look at our store later on in the week.

Some other items due to appear on our website over the course of this week are to include a WW2 USAF B-3 jacket, a WW1 pith helmet in it’s original tin and an unissued WW1 Royal Engineers Officer’s dress tunic and trousers. Some exciting new items for the month of March!

Massive Militaria Newsletter Anyone?

2010-02-24T14:08:16+00:00

Hello

We’re about to launch a new product and would like you’re feedback. Who would be interested in subscribing to one newsletter that sends you sales, promotions and item information from almost every major militaria dealer across the UK and possibly Europe….?

We would like to hear your thoughts on this. What would you like in this newsletter? What would put you off? Are you the same as us and feel that militaria dealers as well as a lot of antique dealers in general would benefit from grasping technology and moving with it?

Please let us know what you think…

Significant WW1 Era Pith Helmet. Lancashire Fusiliers. - £595.00

2010-02-22T13:50:49+00:00

Very nice condition Hawkes & Co Pith helmet.

The helmet itself is in stunning condition with no damage to the outer fabric. The green lining to the underside has been nibbled by moth around the seam but this could be repaired however it is not really visible when displayed. The sweatband has also seen some moth, however very minor. The chinstrap is still in place and the makers marks are clear. Spare set of chinscales as well as 6 linen liners.

The helmet comes in it's original Hawkes & Co japanned tin named to a GHB Freeth.

George Henry Basil Freeth, was born in London 31 December 1872, son of Colonel William Freeth MVO, Chief Constable, Isle of Man (1888-1911), and Helen Macpherson, daughter of General Macpherson, of Inverness.

He was educated at Merchant Taylors' School, London; King William's College, Isle of Man, and the RMC, Sandhurst in 1891.

He joined the Lancashire Fusiliers as Second Lieutenant 19 November 1892, becoming Lieutenant 23 May 1894. He served in India and Egypt, and in the Nile Expedition of 1898 he was present at the Battle of Khartoum, and received the Medal and the Egyptian Medal with clasp. He was promoted to Captain 27 September 1899. He served during the occupation of Crete. From 1899 to 1902 he served in South Africa, and took part in the Relief of Ladysmith, including the operations of 17-24 January 1900, and the action at Spion Kop; operations in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900; operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900.

He performed the duties of Commandant and Railway Staff Officer. He took part in the operations in the Transvaal, May 1901 to 31 May 1902; operations in Orange River Colony, November 1900 to May 1901. Freeth was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "George Henry Basil Freeth, Captain, Lancashire Fusiliers. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in South Africa, and presented by the Duke of Cornwall and York 14 August 1901.

He was Adjutant, Militia, 20 September 1902 to 19 September 1905; Major 24 June, 1910; was at the Staff College, 1909-10; DAAG, Northern Command, 31 October 1911 to 4 August 1914. He was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 21 February 1912. He served in the European War from 1914 to 1918; as DAAG, GHQ, BEF, 5 August 1914 to 16 March, 1915; as AAG, GHQ, BEF, 17 March to 7 December 1915; as Brigade Commander, 2nd Lancashire Brigade, British Armies in France, until 27 June 1916; Brigade Commander, 167th Infantry Brigade, 27 July 1916. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 3 June, 1916; was given the Brevet of Colonel 3 June, 1917. Colonel Freeth was four times mentioned in Despatches, was created a CMG 1916, and a CB 1919.

Please contact us for an accurate shipping quote.

Cased Royal Navy Bicorne Hat, Belt & Epaulettes. - £350.00

2010-02-07T21:57:40+00:00

Lovely Royal Navy lot. A fitted, lined case containing a bicorne hat, sword belt and pair of epaulettes. The case is named to an E A Herring RN. The outside of the case as you would expect is a little bruised but the hinges, handle and latch are still sound. Despite a few little issues, the lined interior is very good with 2 hinged shelves for the epaulettes and a tin that houses the sword belt and also doubles as the hat stand.

We are unsure of the exact age of this lot but going but the exceptional condition and Kings Crown badge we are guessing at around the WW1 to inter war era.

Bicorne Hat

Very nice condition with little or no issues to the beaver fur outer and gilt decoration. White headband and beautiful blue silk lining with gilt makers name of Larcom & Veysey Outfitters of Portsea, Portsmouth. Internal hat measurement of approx cm.

Epaulettes

Again made by Larcom & Veysey Outfitters of Portsea, these gilt dress epaulettes are in excellent condition. They don't look as if they have ever had the gold braid tassels that often hang from the rounded end of this style of epaulettes. All stitching is good with no moth or damage, nice crisp anchor decoration and each with a screw down Kings Crown button.

Sword Belt

Leather backed fabric and gilt sword belt by Gieve, Matthews and Seagrove Ltd. All brass fittings in tact.

New Royal Horse Guards Helmet on BC!

2010-02-01T20:34:56+00:00

Hello

We’ve just picked up a cracking Royal Horse Guards helmet and got it up on our website.

It’s a lovely clean example with a good plume and very clean liner. It needs a few little bits to complete but whoever is lucky enough to snap it up will have a really nice helmet at the end of it.

Get over to our website today and take a look. It’s priced to sell so don’t hang about! Other new items up there include a pre WW1 Camerons great coat with provenance and a 17th Century Dutch Walloon sword.

Plenty more items starting on Thursday in our eBay store and some nice new bits coming our way next week too!

Keep your eyes peeled…!

Pre WW1 QO Cameron Highlanders Great Coat. - £195.00

2010-02-01T16:39:34+00:00

Stunning condition pre WW1 Cameron Highlanders great coat dated 1913. Tailored by WM Anderson & Sons of Edinburgh and named to an AG Smith-Sligo. Absolutely no damage or moth to the fabric, looks completely unused. You won't find a cleaner pre-WW1 example.

Lt Archibald George Roderick J Smith-Sligo Esq was in the 1st Battalion the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, at the outbreak of war he was sent to France but was killed within a month. He is named on the La Ferte-Sous Jouarre memorial as having died on the 14/09/1914.

Approx sizes are as follows :

Chest - 102cm
Shoulder to shoulder - 50cm
Pit to cuff - 50cm
Shoulder to cuff - 67cm
Top of collar to bottom - 140cm

Troopers Cavalry Helmet of the Royal Horse Guard. - £595.00

2010-02-01T16:16:17+00:00

Troopers helmet of the Royal Horse Guard.

Very good shell of fine steel and nice crisp brass decoration. The red horsehair plume is original and in good shape. A few downsides to this helmet which could all probably be rectified if desired. These do not really detract from what is an excellent display piece however.

1. The little brass button is missing from the top of the plume.

2. A section of the Queens Crown has broken off (see picture 3).

3. The rosette side bosses are missing that hold the chinstrap in place. It is currently held in position by some wire. The absence of these can be obscured by the plume when displayed. The screw sockets for these rosettes are still in place, it is just the actual screw that is required.

Apart from the points listed above, this is a good helmet in very good condition. A few blemishes to the shell but no significant denting and you will struggle to find a better one for the money. Would make a nice project piece.

More pictures can be sent on request.

Cameron Highlanders & More.

2010-01-23T21:22:45+00:00

Hello

We’ve been carefully sorting and listing our new horde of Cameron Highlanders items. All the items that have gone up so far have proved very popular and we have plenty more to go. We’ll be listing on Monday 25th, 28th and the 4th February in our eBay store as well as some items going up on our official website.

We are looking to get more interesting pieces in during the first week of February to include some 19th Century Royal Navy as well as some very interesting uniform from the Boer War. We suggest you subscribe to our mailing list at the top of this page to keep informed on what is coming up and when.

This brings us neatly along to our new promotion. To encourage new subscribers to our mailing list, we’ve started a new feature. Each month, we’ll pick a member of our mailing list at random and email them a 25% off promotional code which is valid for that entire month. You can use this on any items on our site and just input the random code at the checkout stage.

We’ve been lucky enough to have been introduced to a website that we think is quite exceptional and we’re sure you’ll agree. Go over and take a look at the Military Gentleman. They have some absolutely incredible pieces and the items are second to none. It’s always a pleasure to come across a site like this where each and every piece has been hand picked with such care and attention. First class.

Vintage Luggage Case by Finnigans of New Bond St. - £155.00

2010-01-18T19:32:44+00:00

Vintage luggage box / case by Finnigans of New Bond Street, London.

Very nice condition luggage box / case. The leather is in very good condition and has aged well. There is some staining to the top of the box but that doesn't really detract.

Both latches are working but have no key anymore - they are marked with 'English Lever'. The corner protectors are in good shape as are the wooden runners to the bottom. Some light corrosion to the metal inner edging and some of this appears to have stained the inner pocket - both problems could probably treated. The main inside of the case is in very good shape indeed as is the removable wooden inner liner.

The size of the case is a rather large 47cm wide x 41cm deep and 42cm high and weighs 8.5 Kg

Pair of Cameron Highlanders Solar Topees in Tin. - £795.00

2010-01-18T18:34:35+00:00

A pair of Cameron Highlanders solar topees in an original helmet tin. The first helmet has a Cameron flash to the left and comes in a dust cover and also comes with 3 mesh covers - 2 of which are a sand colour and one is camouflage. Comes with a second, civilian topee which is also in a very clean condition.

The helmets and tin are named to a R D M C Miers and the tin also has the roman numerals of '79' to the front. The inside of the tin is tidy enough and is lined with a copy of the Times dated May 29th 1942. The outside of the tin is a pretty rusty and dirty as expected after all these years.

No makers marks to the Cameron helmet but the civilian piece is made by Wahee & Wahel 'Sure Protection from Sun Stroke'.

Internal measurements of the hats is approx 53-54cm.

WW2 Era Cameron Highlanders OR Sporran. - £175.00

2010-01-18T14:05:32+00:00

WW2 Era Queens Own Cameron Highlanders sporran.

Very nice condition Camerons sporran. Good thick head of hair with 2 fine tassels. The leather tassel covers are a little gummy with age but don't detract. Nice shiny leather top and original belt.

The sporran badge could do with securing a bit better and the purse isn't the cleanest as it's seen some use, but again this does not detract and is not visible when displayed or worn.

No date marks and the makers stamp is very feint. We believe however that this sporran dates back to around the time of WW2.

Victorian 1st Royal Dragoons Undress Frock Coat. - £495.00

2010-01-17T23:19:05+00:00

Museum grade 1st Royal Dragoons undress frock coat & crimson sash.

Previously the property of a Lieutenant Ripley. Label inside from the original tailor, named and dated 1899. A few stitching issues in particular around the inside of the collar and some of the decorative lace has come away from the jacket but this can be mended very easily if required but probably isn't necessary if you intend on displaying it on a dummy. All looks present and correct with no missing fastening hooks and all mohair lace decoration is still all there except a few tassels at the back which again, could be replaced if desired.

A couple of very, very small moth nips which are barely noticeable and some very light staining to the bottom, back right of jacket which could probably be removed - looks like some sort of faint mould.

Crimson silk sash looks period and is in reasonable condition for age.

Incredible condition for 110 years old.

Very small jacket. Approx sizes are as follows:

Chest - 96cm
Shoulder to shoulder - 38cm
Waist - 83cm
Pit to cuff - 50cm
Top of collar to bottom - 113cm

Genuine British Army Issue Ceremonial Bearskin Cap. - £225.00

2010-01-17T23:14:59+00:00

Genuine British Army ceremonial bearskin. Very nice condition. Lacks wicker frame but the cap still holds it's shape well and makes a good display piece. Liner is still good as is the velvet backed curb chain. No hair loss. A nice piece.

Internal measurement of 56cm and stands around 35cm high.

Pre 1914 Royal Horse Artillery Full Dress Coatee. - £325.00

2010-01-17T23:11:42+00:00

Royal Horse Artillery full dress coatee. Previously owned by gunner Hewitt of Wentworth Battery, Yorkshire.

No issues with the stitching or fabric. The buttons are predominantly Kings Crown which have replaced all but a few Queens Crown ones. Gold braiding slightly faded but apart from that, a good example.

Approx sizes are as follows:

Chest - 106cm
Should to shoulder - 42cm
Pit to cuff - 52cm
Top of collar to bottom - 52cm

Peal & Co WW2 Era Officers Field Boots with Trees. - £395.00

2010-01-17T22:06:36+00:00

Vintage Peal & Co officer's field boots with trees. The leather on the boots is very good and has polished up well. No drying or cracking at all and the stitching is solid. Heavy tacks to the soles and the name plate is engraved to a "Maj R D M C Meirs". The trees are excellent and are in clean, complete condition. No size markings to them but we think they are about a UK 10.

Maj Ronald Meirs, formerly of The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders led the 5th Btn - The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders during 'Operation Supercharge' - Tel el Aqqaqir, second battle of El Alamein, 23rd October 1942.

All lace holes and buckles are solid, making these boots an absolutely fantastic example from one of London's oldest and most famous bootmakers.

A stunning pair of Peal & Co boots.

Pre WW1 Cameron Highlanders Mess Jacket. - £195.00

2010-01-17T21:32:30+00:00

Pre WW1 Cameron Highlanders mess jacket / coatee. When the collars are down it looks like a standard mess dress jacket however when the collars are turned up and the lapels are turned in, it exposes a full row of buttons and takes on more of a coatee form. These are actual buttons holes and not false ones as you will see on most mess jackets. Very nice condition despite some markings to the exterior fabric which don't really show in the photographs.

This jacket is missing 2 of the screw down fastenings nearest the shoulder for the epaulettes however a substitute may be used for this if attaching shoulder cords.

Dated 1913 and tailored by William Anderson & Sons of Edinburgh.

Approx sizes are as follows :

Chest - 99cm
Shoulder to shoulder - 42cm
Pit to cuff - 48cm
Shoulder to cuff - 64cm
Top of collar to bottom - 53cm

Please note that due to their previous storage conditions, the currently listed military clothing may carry the odor of moth balls. This usually clears once the garments have been aired for a reasonable time.

WW1 QO Cameron Highlanders Dress Doublet. - £310.00

2010-01-17T17:53:21+00:00

WW1 Era Queens Own Cameron Highlanders full dress doublet.

Very nice condition WW1 era Queens Own Cameron Highlanders full dress doublet. All buttons are present and are all Kings Crown. The gold braid epaulettes have a Queens Crown so it may be that these were transferred over from an older jacket. There is a name tag to the inside but it's illegible.

The outer material is a little dirty where the badges, ribbons and belt have been but there is no issues with the stitching or lining.

Approx sizes are as follows :

Chest - 100cm
Shoulder to shoulder - 42cm
Pit to cuff - 50cm
Shoulder to cuff - 67cm
Top of collar to bottom - 68cm

Peal & Co Riding Boots with Original Trees & Spurs. - £245.00

2010-01-17T17:22:30+00:00

Stunning vintage Peal & Co riding boots with trees & spurs. The leather on the boots is very good and has polished up well. No drying or cracking at all and the stitching is solid. We think these boots date back to around the 50's. Heavy tacks the heel and the name plate is engraved to a "Maj R D M C Meirs". The trees are excellent and are in clean, complete condition. No size markings to them but we think they are about a UK 10.

Maj Ronald Meirs, formerly of The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders led the 5th Btn - The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders during 'Operation Supercharge' - Tel el Aqqaqir, second battle of El Alamein, 23rd October 1942.

Sadly the leather straps that hold the spurs in place have dried and snapped at the join but this not a big issue as these could easily be replaced and they still hold in place fine if just being displayed. Some signs of corrosion to the metal on the spurs which would clean up easily enough.

A stunning pair of Peal & Co boots.

New Items Coming Soon for 2010.

2010-01-11T20:40:26+00:00

Good evening.

We’re looking forward to getting some new items in for 2010. We’re aiming to get a load of Cameron Highlander related pieces in within the week. What we’re planning on doing is putting a list together (with condition reports and prices) and sticking it up on our server for you good people to download.

What to do is, go over to our homepage www.BattlefieldCollectables.com and opt in to our mailing list – you can also use the opt-in plugin above. You’ll have to verify your sign up but once that is done, you will receive an email from us within the week with the link where you can download the file.

We can take payments over the phone via credit and debit card or if you’d rather, we can send you a Paypal button via email.

So, get yourself over to www.BattlefieldCollectables.com or simply use the opt-in form above and sign up for our mail shot!

Speak to you all soon. Jonny.

Welcome to Battlefield Collectables

2010-01-10T21:47:33+00:00

Hello and welcome to the Battlefield Collectables blog!

This is a new thing for us but we will be updating it regularly and it’ll be a perfect opportunity for you to keep up to date with what is new. We will be discussing new items, new finds and will often offer items up for sale here prior to listing on our website or eBay store.

We hope that you choose to follow our feeds and keep up to date with what we find, as and when we find it. We’re confident 2010 will be a good year for us!

Jonny.

Victorian Servants Uniform. Lowther Castle England. - £190.00

2009-12-19T16:44:42+00:00

A servants uniform from Lowther Castle, England. Comprising a fitted black moleskin style overcoat with yellow trim and black velvet colours and a matching yellow waistcoat. Cravat not included. Also includes 2 further waistcoats (not pictured) intended for the same outfit. The waistcoats are tailored at Simpson & Sons (Livery Outfitters) London.

All but one of the waistcoats have matching buttons showing a Crown over 'De SLaJ'. Very good condition throughout especially the jacket. Some evidence of mildew to one of the waistcoats which isn't visible when displayed. Some evidence of moth to one of the arms of the overcoat and some light staining inside.

A big heavy box in total. Please bear this in mind before buying. Any excess postage costs will be refunded.

Approx sizes are as follows:

Chest - 99cm
Pit to cuff - 50cm
Shoulder to cuff - 63cm
Shoulder to shoulder - 42cm
Top of collar to bottom of tail - 97cm

Army Issue Piper's Dirk by Wilkinson of London. - £290.00

2009-10-30T18:35:57+00:00

Very nice condition pipers dirk by Wilkinson Sword. The blade isn't the brightest but it's still got a good edge and a good point. Circa 1950s/60s.

Queens Crown to Pommel. Hilt, scabbard and white metal fittings are all in good condition.

Blade measures just short of 12" and the whole items measures around the 18" mark.

A very good example at a very good price!

Early 20th C Royal Horse Guards Trooper Helmet. - £780.00

2009-09-29T07:33:43+00:00

Royal Horse Guards trooper helmet. Fine steel and brass construction dress helmet ornamented with the Garter Star, Crest and Royal Crown. Some slight denting to the shell but these can be obscured by the plume when displayed. Excellent condition with some signs of use and age. Unsure of the exact age but it has a Queens crown to the front.

No size markings inside however rough internal size of 56 cm.

R H G/D (Royal Horse Guards we assume) and 37 engraved into the inside as well as what appears to be the number 222 which has been scored out. Leather liner (albeit a bit dirty), chinstrap, plume and frontal plate all appear to be correct as does the additional decoration.

This one comes with a unique helmet stand made from what is reputed to be the Troopers horse's foot complete with horse shoe. Unfortunately the plaster inside the hoof has cracked but it still holds the helmet safely. This would be a simple repair job to fill.

21st Empress of India's Lancer's Cap. Dated 1907. - £1,150.00

2009-06-30T14:16:41+00:00

21st Empress of India's Lancers cap with brass plate. Beautiful item with War Department stamp inside stating 1907. Some very small evidence of moth to the fabric as well as some very small areas of damage/repair to the side boards but these do not detract from an otherwise excellent item. The leather skull is very good with some slight markings but again, do not detract.

Chinstrap, helmet plate and plume all look very good and the cap looks as if it has kept its shape well. An excellent opportunity to obtain a very rare piece of British military history over 100 years old.

If you wish to discuss this piece further, please contact Jonny on 07871 505178.