The evacuation by police at Roslin Square.
Image: Chiswick Auctions.
During a walk-in valuation day on the morning of February 24 at Chiswick Auctions' 6 Roslin Square consignment warehouse (not its Barley Mow gallery headquarters), a member of the public arrived with a selection of militaria within a Harrods tote bag on behalf of an elderly neighbour.
Chiswick’s general valuer James Bruce, who has a background in militaria, began assessing what initially appeared to be empty magazine cases. However, the situation quickly escalated when an ammunition belt of 7.65 calibre machine-gun rounds was produced, followed by a crated anti-tank landmine which was opened on the valuation table. This was followed by a crated mortar shell.
The vendor had no idea what he was handling, but Bruce and executive director Matt Caddick (who is a licensed firearms holder with additional militaria expertise) acted quickly.
The items brought to the valuation day.
Image: Chiswick Auctions.
Both specialists identified the potential danger posed by the items, believed to include World War II and Soviet Union/Chinese Cold War munitions.
Authorities were contacted immediately and images supplied for urgent assessment.
The anti-tank landmine.
Image: Chiswick Auctions.
As a precaution, the auction house unit was evacuated. Police and specialist incident response teams attended swiftly, extending the evacuation to surrounding buildings within the Roslin Square estate and restricting road access while bomb disposal experts examined the items.
The evacuation by police at Roslin Square.
Image: Chiswick Auctions.
Following X-rays and appropriate safety procedures, the live ordnance was safely removed. Staff and neighbouring businesses were permitted to return to their premises after just over an hour.
The remaining militaria items were assessed and deemed inert and safe for civilian ownership.
Chiswick Auctions at 6 Roslin Square.
Image: Chiswick Auctions.
Chiswick Auctions hosts open valuation days at its Roslin Square premises every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
A Chiswick Auctions spokesman said: “The incident highlights both the unpredictable nature of walk-in valuations and the experience of Chiswick Auctions’ specialist team, whose swift actions and adherence to correct procedures ensured the safety of staff, clients and neighbouring businesses at all times.”
The evacuation by police at Roslin Square.
Image: Chiswick Auctions.
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