The regimental badge of a WWII regiment who adopted a bear roared past its guide price of £100 to sell for £850 at Hansons Auctioneers Cornwall’s recent sale <Jan 6>.
The brown bear called Wojtek was adopted as a cub by the Polish 2nd Corps in 1943 after his mother was shot by hunters.
After being raised on condensed milk fed to him from a vodka bottle, he fought alongside his fellow soldiers in the Italian campaign carrying ammunition cases.
After the Allied victory at the Battle of Monte Cassino, Wojtek was promoted to corporal and became immortalised as the company’s official emblem.
And when British transport regulations forbade mascots and pets, the 18 stone bear was drafted into the Polish army where he was given a name, rank and serial number.
After the war he served out the rest of his life in Edinburgh Zoo where he was a popular attraction and even visited from soldiers from his former regiment.
Darren Ashley, manager of Penzance-based Hansons’ Auctioneers, said: “Wojtek really did touch the hearts of millions. In these days of international chaos, it is the most heartwarming story of the deep bonds formed in combat, not just between soldiers but their animals too.
“The badges were owned by a Devon collector who lived in Tavistock and was not thought to have any link to the regiment.”
Wojtek died in 1963, aged 21, with many memorials soon erected to the soldier-bear in both in Poland and Edinburgh, as well as a plaque in the Imperial War Museum.
The book Soldier Bear by Geoffrey Morgan and WA Lasocki, published in 1972 was included with the badges.
Auction Results
Auction: Cornwall January Antiques Auction to include Jewellery, Silver & Watches, with Collectors & Asian
Auction date: 6th January 2026 | 10am
Location: Hansons Cornwall Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
