Arms, Armour & Militaria

Arms and armour stretches from ancient times to modern conflicts, with weapons ranging from swords and clubs to firearms, armour including helmets and shields, and militaria such as medals, uniforms, flags and ephemera.

Medals and militaria are often sold at auction as specialised categories, with arms and armour sales also held.


Congressional gold medal

Congressional naval medals show dramatic increase in value over two decades

27 September 2024

Five historic Congressional naval medals awarded during the War of 1812 excelled at Noonans latest sale of British, World Coins and Historical Medals.

Sergeant Derrick John Allen

Medal awarded to sergeant who freed fellow gunner when bailing among lots at Baldwin’s

21 September 2024

Air gunner Sergeant Derrick John Allen was returning from an operation to Dusseldorf when his Lancaster was attacked several times – forcing the crew to bail.

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Military policeman who risked his life in blaze rescue attempt received the Albert Medal

16 September 2024

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.

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Desirable RAF lots coming up include a Battle of Britain golden ‘oldie’ and a Dambuster

16 September 2024

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.

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Film reels help to reveal story of a brigadier who came up with the name of the Special Air Service

16 September 2024

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.

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Unusual militaria lot was tailor made for a museum purchase

16 September 2024

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).

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Five questions with book dealer Oliver Bayliss

16 September 2024

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

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Classic British colonial pith helmet heads to a top sum as part of extensive Scottish collection

16 September 2024

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

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Douglas Anderson's huge private collection of Scottish militaria comes to auction

16 September 2024

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).

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Recruiting drive: First World War poster collection up for grabs

16 September 2024

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.

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Nameplate sale shows how a Sherman tank called Michael spearheaded Allied success

16 September 2024

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

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Bomb disposal bravery award recognises an unsung hero of the Falklands War

16 September 2024

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.

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Militaria news in brief: eye catching results

16 September 2024

A look at unusual lots that stood out in recent auctions

Douglas

Collection of founder member of the Scottish Military Collectors Historical Society comes to auction

09 September 2024

This week Anderson & Garland is offering for sale the private collection of militaria and weapons belonging to Douglas Napier Anderson (b.1927).

2658 AR Thomson Roddick KOSB Pith Helmet 2

Boer War tropical pith helmet fights the good fight at Edinburgh Auction

29 August 2024

Thomson Roddick Callan (20% buyer’s premium) in Edinburgh held a mammoth two day sale on August 14-15, featuring nearly 1400 lots of antiques and militaria from the Michael Hall of Galashiels Collection.

WEB Rock Island Wheellock Record

Gun from Louis XIII’s famous cabinet sets a record for a wheellock firearm at auction

28 August 2024

Result reflects quality and provenance of the remarkable weapon from a renowned collection

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Wartime propaganda posters seek to persuade collectors to make a bid

19 August 2024

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

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Specialist antique arms event held at Kempton Park features 100-plus dealers in total

19 August 2024

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.

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Books that cover the cutting edge of collecting, Viking and medieval style

05 August 2024

A collector interview with author and expert David Petty

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Lot that shows loads of interest

05 August 2024

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

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