Arms, Armour & Militaria

An Asian armour dealer sold nearly all of his stand’s stock in the first few days of FAB Paris last week.

This wood and plaster maquette of a carved ship figurehead of Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson was keenly contested when it appeared at the Liverpool saleroom of Adam Partridge.

The Battle of Goose Green was relatively small in size but a fierce and important action in the Falklands War, notable for the Victoria Cross awarded posthumously to Colonel ‘H’ Jones of the Parachute Regiment.

Halls’ (24% buyer’s premium) Militaria, Naval and Aviation Auction included a medal group with an intriguing link to a famous figure of the First World War, British nurse Edith Cavell.

Acting Lt Cdr Richard Lovelace Bigg-Wither not only had a memorable name but a Second World War career in the Fleet Air Arm that was also definitely one to remember.

An honour hailing from the Second World War demonstrates the peculiarity of this collecting market

Noonans’ sale of Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria in London on September 10 was led by an exceptional 18th century gold and enamel jewel.

A “very fine” bronze helmet of Corinthian type, c.350BC, hammered from a single sheet, with a domed crown, almond-shaped eye cutouts and a prominent nose guard, sold for £32,000 at Apollo Art Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) in London on July 27.

Jacobite highlights from the Scottish Collected sale held by Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh

Second World War airborne memorabilia is another in-demand section of the militaria market.

Halls’ (24% buyer’s premium) latest Militaria, Naval and Aviation Auction in Shrewsbury offered a tempting selection of lots such as First World War uniforms in decent condition.

Sold at £250, this brooch probably commemorates the opening of Hill House Military Hospital, also known as School Hill House Hospital, in Lewes.

The first auction staged as a partnership between two renowned specialists produced a wide range of encouraging results

Following the recent trend of 18th and 19th century helmets making strong prices at auction, this striking example hammered at £5200.

This fine pair of early 18th century flintlock pistols by John Harman of London are part of a collection of firearms and militaria that goes under the hammer at Catherine Southon on September 17 in Chislehurst, south-east London.

A gilt metal cloak clasp taken from the apartment of Napoleon Bonaparte after his death on St Helena in 1821 has sold at auction for £10,000.

While modern communications would appear to have diminished the role of the King’s or Queen’s Messengers in the 21st century, the job and title remains.