A special auction of over 200 Lots of medals and militaria is being held in Lichfield next week, (Wednesday 26th March).
The auction has been organised and content sourced by Richard Winterton Auctioneers of Lichfield to coincide with the 100 year anniversary of WWI. There are over one hundred Lots of medals/decorations ranging in value from under £100 for single medals to in excess of £2,000 for some medal groups. These are not just limited to WWI but earlier campaigns such as the Boer War, WWII and beyond.
One of the most important single decorations up for auction, (discovered on a valuation day in Lichfield) is a rare silver Distinguished Flying Cross appearing as Lot 32.
Instituted in 1918, the decoration was established for Officers and Warrant Officers of the RAF in respect of acts of valour while flying in active operations against the enemy. Although issued unnamed, this WWII cross bears the date ‘1944’. It is estimated to fetch £700-750.
Medals aside, the auction will also include all manner of wartime memorabilia from uniforms to weapons and trench art.
Adrian Rathbone, Head of Fine Arts at the Auctioneers comments;
‘As it is the one hundredth anniversary of the First World War this year we wanted to provide a showcase for all manner of wartime and military memorabilia, not just from WWI. There is a wide selection of medals and decorations awarded to those who fought for their country, including some unique medal groups with detailed research into the recipient’s experiences on the front line. This gives an invaluable history lesson and promotes our understanding of what individual people went through.
There is a vast collecting field for medals and militaria, be it for pleasure, historical purposes, retail or investment. Prices for medals at auction have been performing very well over the last few years and I envisage this trend continuing. We expect worldwide interest in the auction next week as buyers can bid live from the comfort of their own homes’.
Viewing for the sale is Tuesday 25th March from 2pm to 7pm and Wednesday 26th March, (sale day) from 9am with the sale commencing at 10am. The fully illustrated catalogue can be viewed online at www.richardwinterton.co.uk or please phone 01543 251081 for further information.