Medals and militaria collections are in strong demand at auction and people can find out if their memorabilia could be valuable for free in April.
William Hayward, expert in medals and militaria at Hansons Auctioneers, will be hosting a valuation and consignment event at Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Whittington Barracks, near Lichfield, on Thursday, April 28, from 10am-1pm.
He said: “All types of militaria objects are sought after by collectors around the world. They are keen to bid on items relating to all military conflicts including the First and Second World Wars, such as army uniform, RAF and Army records, photos, diaries and military awards. These important historical items deserve to be treasured and preserved for future generations.
“If you have items gathering dust at home, come and find out their value and, if you like the guide price, consign them to auction.”
Hansons’ April militaria sale saw lot 5, a British WW1 medal group awarded to PTE C Summers of the Leicestershire Regiment, make £130 from an £30-£40 estimate. The collection included his 1914-15 star, Victory Medal, 1914-18 War Medal and a Commonwealth War Graves Commission certificate. Sadly, PTE Summers died on September 30, 1916 aged only 22.
Meanwhile lot 8, a British WW1 medals collection, family pictures and death plaque relating to Sgt Arthur Richmond of the 2nd Battalion The Welsh Regiment, made £320.
In previous militaria sales, lot 5000, an Army of India Medal awarded to Samuel Thornton, (1797-1859) Commr RN, complete with original ribbon and pin, made £6,500 and lot 5122, a WW1 British diary written by Sapper Arthur Edward Diggins, 29th Signals Section, Royal Engineers, 29th Division MEF/BEF, was contested to £2,600.
William Hayward will be at Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, WS14 9PY, on April 28, 10am-1pm. You can also arrange a free valuation by emailing [email protected].
