 |
|
|
|
| Antique jewels |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Jewellery list |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
 |
A classic victorian ring composed of a central row of 5 graduating old cut diamonds delicately set in a fine claw setting to carved shoulders and a plain shank. The diamonds weigh approximately 0.35cts in total. All set in 18ct Gold. Hallmarked
1911. Size N. 3.5 grams.
The Siege of Sidney Street, popularly known as the Battle of Stepney, was a notorious gunfight in London's East End in 1911. It ended with the deaths of two members of a politically-motivated gang of burglars
supposedly led by Peter Piaktow, a.k.a. Peter the Painter, and sparked a major political row over the involvement of the Home Secretary, Winston Churchill.
On 2 January 1911, an informant told police that two or three of the gang,
possibly
including Peter the Painter himself, were hiding at 100 Sidney Street, Stepney (in the Metropolitan Police District). Worried that the suspects were about to flee, and expecting heavy resistance to any attempt at capture, on 3
January
two hundred
men
cordoned off the area and the siege began. At dawn the battle commenced.
The defenders, though heavily outnumbered, possessed superior weapons and great stores of ammunition. The Tower of London was called for
backup, and
word got to
Home
Secretary Winston Churchill, who arrived on the spot to observe the incident first hand, and to offer advice. Churchill authorised calling in a detachment of Scots Guards to assist the police. Six hours into the
battle, and
just as the field
artillery piece that Churchill had authorised arrived, a fire began to consume the building. When the fire brigade arrived Churchill refused them access to the building. The police stood ready, guns aimed at the
front door,
waiting for the men
inside
to attempt their escape. The door never opened. Inside the remains of two members of the gang, Fritz Svaars and William Sokolow (both were also known by numerous aliases), were recovered. No sign of
Peter the Painter
was ever found.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
14425
A vintage Old Cut Diamond Five Stone Ring. Diamonds 0.35cts approx. 1911 Edwardian
price: £1,050.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
