Adrian Stevenson, a militaria expert whose finds makes worldwide headlines, is heading to Staffordshire in a bid to make more discoveries.
Mr Stevenson, who achieved record-breaking results in a March Medals and Militaria sale at Hansons Auctioneers, will be at Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Whittington Barracks, on May 17, 10am-1pm.
He said: “Militaria objects are in demand acrossthe world. In our last auction, a Second World War RAF DSO medal group together with the real Great Escape journal, which belonged to Flight Lieutenant Vivian Phillips, sold for a hammer price of £13,500.
“After being captured by the Germans, British airman Mr Phillips helped dig a tunnel which led to a mass breakout from German prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft III – a story told in Hollywood movie The Great Escape.
“The journal was an amazing find capturing the spirit of the famous story in words, sketches and cartoons. It sparked worldwide media coverage, as did another item in the sale, an 1889 penny that saved a soldier’s life in the First World War.
“The coin, bent by the impact of a pistol shot, was kept in the breast pocket of Private John Trickett. It was sold as part of a WW1 British medal group for £4,500.
“I often see items that have been languishing in drawers for decades that both delight collectors and bring wartime stories back to life. Whatever military-related object you have, I would love to see it.”
Adrian Stevenson will be at Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Whittington Barracks, Whittington, WS14 9PY, on May 17, 10am-1pm. Entries invited until July 1 for Hansons’ next Medals and Militaria Auction.
Hansons’ valuers are at The Hedgehog Inn, Stafford Road, Lichfield, WS13 7AD, on Mondays (except bank holidays), 10.30am-12.30pm. Free valuations at home can be arranged by calling 01283 733988.
