Arms, Armour & Militaria

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.

Bellmans is holding its first Arms & Armour auction in Billingshurst on September 10.

It’s not often that a group of medals offered at auction includes two that were in fact officially revoked. However, a lot that appeared at an East Yorkshire auction house on June 27 reflected a notorious tale of colonial corruption.

A “very rare” First World War pair of medals and memorial plaque to a female casualty of the SS Lusitania came up for auction at Mayfair saleroom Noonans (24% buyer’s premium) on July 16.

Even though the Austro-Hungarian monarchy was abolished in 1918, there is still no shortage of nostalgic buyers for memorabilia and relics from the House of Habsburg.

The ‘T’ on the front of this rather grand Victorian or Edwardian fire brigade helmet probably proved the difference when it came to demand.

When the situation demanded it, German consular officials in the tropics were required to wear a ceremonial helmet.

French château contents sales, like their equivalent country house sales in the UK, still surface occasionally on the auction market.

A fine example of the Libertas Americana silver medal is estimated to fetch between £50,000-80,000 at Anderson & Garland’s Fine Silver and Objects of Vertu auction in Newcastle on July 22.