Arms, Armour & Militaria

Late 18th century Order of the Garter soars way over estimate as part of an Austrian sale

The museum gallery created to house the extensive collection of one of the most active British medal collectors of recent times is to close.

Tommy nearly made the supreme sacrifice to support the Allied cause in the Second World War.

Two excellent examples of the highest British awards for courage are coming up in the same London auction on March 11.

A British airborne forces smock offered in the C&T (22% buyer’s premium) February 12-13 auction told its own tale thanks to a remarkable discovery concealed within.

Lieutenant General John Burgoyne (1722-92) was put in command of the British forces in Canada in 1777 after outlining the shortcomings of his own commanding officer.

Although much less well known than many ‘last stands’, medals for the Wilson’s Patrol in 1893 are prized by collectors

Total sales across London coins and medals auctions fell £10m in 2024. So, are the first cracks appearing in a market that was riding high in Covid? As always, the devil is in the detail.

A look at some of the numismatic lots that caused a stir in 2024, starting off with a scarce example of Civil War coinage

A scarce First World War recruiting poster proclaiming Irishmen Avenge the Lusitania has sold to a London museum as part of a large collection offered at Dorset saleroom Onslows (29% buyer’s premium inc VAT).

British regiments stationed in Canada in the early to mid- 19th century suffered from a peculiar problem: soldiers had a habit of deserting across the American border.

The recipient of this George III period shamshir was once described by military historian Sir John Fortescue as “the bravest man to ever wear a red coat”.

An Irish presentation ormolu-mounted and enamelled sabre came for sale at a recent auction at Bonhams Knightsbridge (28/27/21/14.5% buyer’s premium).

The Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund was formed at a meeting of merchants and underwriters at the Lloyd’s Coffee House in London in July 1803, to reward those who had displayed significant valour in the defence of Britain. The funds came via public subscription.

A pair of pistols that were presented by Napoleon just six weeks after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo hammered at £30,000 in Thomas Del Mar’s sale of Fine Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria held at Olympia Auctions (25% buyer’s premium).