An extraordinary collection of artefacts, all with a royal connection, has been consigned to Hansons Auctioneers’ Derbyshire saleroom, leaving the Medals & Militaria team in awe. Among the items being sold is a unique assortment of medals, decorations, a pocket watch, photographs, and a naval sword that once belonged to King Manuel II, Portugal’s last monarch.
The items are being sold by the great-grandson of one of King Manuel’s loyal retinue members, Antonio Pereira, who fled Portugal in 1910 with the King when he was exiled. After the King’s death in 1932, his most devoted servants were allowed to take personal mementos, with Antonio taking home several treasures, including a set of medals, the King’s Portuguese naval sword, signed photographs, and the King’s silver pocket watch engraved with the arms of the Royal House of Braganza.
Now, nearly a century later, these incredible pieces have passed down to Antonio’s great-grandson, who has decided to sell the collection in the hope that they will continue to be cherished by future generations.
The collection will be sold across several lots in Hansons’ February 26th Medals & Militaria auction, including:
- Lot 124 – A fine quality and rare late 19th or early 20th-century open-faced silver pocket watch, estimated at £800-£1,000.
- Lot 125 – A fine quality and exceptionally rare circa 1932 issue of the Sash Badge of the Japanese Grand Cordon of the Order of the Chrysanthemum, estimated at £8,000-£12,000. This prestigious award is significant as it could be posthumously conferred, suggesting King Manuel may have received this honour after his death.
- Lot 126 – A collection of medals and decorations, acquired from the estate of King Manuel II in 1932, with an estimate of £800-£1,200.
- Lot 127 – A scarce and important early 20th-century Royal Portuguese Navy officer’s sword, once belonging to King Manuel II, estimated at £500-£800.
- Lot 128 – A scarce collection of late 19th and early 20th-century photographs depicting King Manuel II, his father King Carlos I of Portugal, various dignitaries, Portuguese naval ships, and some landscape images, with an estimate of £300-£500.
Matt Crowson, Head of Militaria at Hansons, shared his excitement: “In a busy auction house, we regularly come across fascinating items, but I never expected to see personal belongings of a King come through our doors for valuation. These pieces have been treasured by the Pereira family for nearly 100 years, and now they are being made available for new collectors to appreciate and preserve.”
The collection is expected to fetch between £10,000 and £15,000 in total when it is sold at Hansons’ Medals & Militaria auction on 26th February 2025.
Auction Information
Auction: Derby February Medals, Militaria & Firearms Auction
Auction date: 26th February 2025 | 9.30am
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
