Second World War gallantry medals were among many sought after lots at Hansons Auctioneers’ Summer Medals and Militaria sale.
Adrian Stevenson, head of coins, medals and militaria at the Derbyshire firm, said: “These types of medals are in great demand.
“For example, an RAF officer’s Distinguished Flying Cross group, with log books, fetched £3,000 (Lot 498) while an RAF Distinguished Flying Medal group achieved £1,700 (lot 507).
“An interesting Polish Medal group to a father and son who both fought at Monte Cassino, in Italy, in 1944 made £1,350 (Lot 496).
“Meanwhile, military aviator watches continue to be much sought after with a Second World War German Luftwaffe pilot/navigator watch selling for £1,700.
“Good Third Reich daggers are always popular with collectors and demand was high with all examples in the sale being sold with prices ranging from £1,500 for a TeNo dagger (Lot 646) and £1,200 for an SS man’s dagger (Lot 736) down to £200 for a good example of a Hitler Youth dagger, which realised £200.
“Japanese Swords always command a lot of interest from around the world with a good Second World War Imperial Japanese army officer’s sword selling for £520 (Lot 767).
“Items from the First World War continue to be sought after with, once again, British Gallantry Medal groups leading the way with two military medal groups selling for £850 (lot 479) and £620 respectively. Lot 479 included a Sherwood Forester’s First World War diary from the trenches.
“In addition, a good pair of First World War British leather ammunition pouches and bayonet frog sold for £560.”
All items were sold on July 27 at Hansons Auctioneers, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire. Hansons’ next specialist Medals and Militaria Auction will be held on November 21, 2018. Entries are invited. Militaria valuer Adrian Stevenson, who has 40 years of experience in this specialist field, can be contacted on 07392 872902 or email [email protected].
