Arms, Armour & Militaria

An antique arms and armour dealer is leading a campaign to stop couriers from restricting the delivery of antique examples.

George Medals were awarded to military recipients for bravery not in the face of the enemy, so bomb or mine disposal is a classic reason.

On February 29 Fellows (25% buyer’s premium) of Birmingham held its inaugural Monies, Medals & Militaria sale.

The Militaria auction at Norfolk saleroom TW Gaze on April 18 includes an item linked to Napoleon’s exile on St Helena.

A remarkable sketchbook compiled after its creator had been taken prisoner at the fall of Singapore in the Second World War sold for £1650 (estimate £500-700) as part of a timed online sale.

This North West Mounted Police hat badge caught the attention when Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood (25% buyer’s premium) of Exeter sold the remaining personal effects of Canadian soldier and policeman Major General Sir Samuel Benfield Steele KCMG CB MVO (1848-1919) on March 19.

Among six-figure successes in the medals market, last year Spink sold the ‘Operation Chastise’ Distinguished Flying Cross group of five given to Dambuster Flt Lt Edward ‘Johnnie’ Johnson for £105,000.

With space and privacy at a premium on board ships, sailors used ditty boxes to store their most treasured possessions plus personal necessities and everyday items such as sewing kit.

Mayfair auction house builds on an excellent performance last year with stand-out results at the start of 2024

The Germans began firing V1 flying bombs at Britain in June 1944 and V2 rockets followed that September.

Second World War posters recruiting British and American women to the war effort are a familiar sight at auction.

It may have been catalogued as requiring restoration but a “scarce” 19th century Korean helmet still managed to sell for 82 times its low estimate at Hansons (26% buyer’s premium).

The wristwatch, which began to replace the pocket watch in the First World War, really came into its own with the production of bespoke ‘tool’ watches for submariners and airmen later in the century

Our selection of lots from 12 upcoming UK auctions