Arms, Armour & Militaria

Lance Corporal James Smith of the Military Mounted Police, formerly of the Northumberland Fusiliers, survived the First World War but it was a moment of danger after the conflict that earned him a special honour.

In November, Spink of London will offer a Spitfire pilot’s Battle of Britain group of eight awarded to Warrant Officer (later Squadron Leader) Ernest Mayne, No 74 (Tiger) Squadron, RAF.

A collection of cinefilms belonging to Brigadier Dudley Clarke (1899-1974), a key figure behind British military deception operations during the Second World War, was sold by Chiswick Auctions (26% buyer’s premium) on August 7.

A one-off find in the shape of a military tailor’s pattern book from 1895 has been bought by the National Army Museum (NAM).

Oliver Bayliss is the proprietor of Bayliss Rare Books and tells ATG about paying attention to detail and a rare militaria find.

Edinburgh auction includes possible record for the design achieved by an example worn by a member of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers

Anderson & Garland (25% buyer’s premium) of Newcastle upon Tyne offered the private collection of militaria and weapons belonging to Douglas Napier Anderson (b.1927).

Specialist auction house Onslows’ November 29 auction includes a rare group of British and Irish recruiting posters form the First World War and a near-complete set of the Parliamentary Recruiting posters.

Along with the Soviet T34, the Sherman was regarded as one of the best all-round tanks of the Second World War.

Wars are full of renowned acts of bravery in the face of the enemy but medals also salute the feats of many unsung military heroes who often go under the radar in recognition terms.

A look at unusual lots that stood out in recent auctions

'Freedom is in Peril Defend it with all your Might' was a British propaganda poster published by the Ministry of Information.

Some of the biggest hotshot dealers in classic arms will soon be loading up their cars and vans ready for the Classic Arms Fair at Kempton Park Racecourse on Sunday, September 1.

A collector interview with author and expert David Petty

The rarity of an unusual saleroom visitor - and its original condition - was confirmed after research by Bonhams’ arms and armour department.