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December 2005 Medal NewsletterAUCTION NEWSNovember the 24th supplied us with yet further proof of the current buoyancy of the medal market. The auction comprising of 481 lots, catering for a broad spectrum of interests from battle worn swords to more delicately jewelled orders, collectively achieved well above the top estimate. The catalogue contained more colour illustrations than ever before, something that we are committed to produce now that we have the facilities for in-house photography. A prime example of the quality of illustration can be found in the cover piece of the sale catalogue, lot 161, the superb Lesser George Garter Jewel by Santarelli, and indeed this is an excellent item with which to begin a round up of the highlights of the sale. This piece, with its exquisite central onyx cameo, produced competitive bidding, with a telephone bidder eventually securing the Lesser George for £28,750. Other orders of the highest rarity to attract large numbers of admirers on the day included lot 129, the G.C.S.I. Collar and Badge bestowed upon General His Highness Al-Haj Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan, Bahadur, Nawab of Bahawalpur, an example of which has certainly never appeared at public auction in this country over the past 40 years. The same telephone bidder also managed to secure this great rarity for £25,300, an investment that can only prove its worth over the course of time given its scarcity. Gallantry groups were well represented, with some spectacular results, the most notable of which was for lot 149, the Second War Bomber Command Conspicuous Gallantry Medal Group of Six to Warrant Officer J. ‘Jack’ Bettany, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. The early bidding was made in the room, but as the group continued its meteoric rise through the bidding increments, telephones once again came to the fore with two keen collectors slugging it out for their prize. The group had been estimated at £6,500-7,500, but its final price of £27,600 is perhaps a true reflection of Bettany’s bravery in saving the lives of his entire crew several thousand feet above Pforzheim. Lieutenant Commander Pollards Falkland’s group of three had attracted a significant amount of press coverage prior to the sale and rightly so given the nature of the award of his Mention in Despatches. Pollard had shot down two of the leading aircraft from a wave of Argentinean Skyhawks engaged in a low level bombing attack on H.M.S. Coventry; this was the second of three attacks that she endured that day, the last being fatal. This historic group, estimated at £3,500-4,000, achieved a thoroughly deserved price of £8,625. Gallantry of a different kind was represented by lot 140, the unusual Army Film and Photographic Unit M.B.E. Group of five to Captain P.T. Handford. This emotive and insightful collection of items, included Handford’s battle blouse complete with unit insignia and a comprehensive collection of over 100 letters to the recipient’s mother covering the fall of France, the D-Day Landings and the Liberation of Paris, was sold together with an extensive photographic archive. This lot was estimated at £400-500, whilst on the day it realised £4,140. As ever we try to be realistically conservative with our sale estimates, in an effort to create a keen bidding environment, and this certainly seems to vindicate that approach! We now look forward to our next sale, which is scheduled for the 20th April 2006. Cataloguing is well under way and notable items that are already consigned include a fine run of Indian Mutiny and Mutiny related medals:
Spink Host London Branch Meetings of the Orders and Medals Research SocietyCelebrating its first birthday in January, the London branch is certainly the baby of the OMRS family, but shows all the signs of becoming a healthy active child. Meeting on the second Tuesday of odd numbered months (it’s easy once you get in the swing) at the unrivalled venue of Spink's, Southampton Row, London, a core of around 15 active members has emerged. During 2005, in addition to members' own evenings, guests have included the CWGC, Queen's Bodyguard and Spink’s own John Hayward. In addition, some members took advantage of a fascinating behind the scenes visit to the RAF Museum, the first of many plans to take advantage of the capital’s rich source of interesting ‘medal’ venues.The full itinerary for next year is still to be set but forthcoming events include a visit to the Coldstream Guards HQ and medal collection, and a Blitz Walk. The atmosphere is informal and, although never guaranteed, the ever supportive Spink’s usually produce something special to our delight (I will take any money that the London branch has a higher proportion of members to have been ‘up close and personal’ with a genuine Victoria Cross than any other). Newcomers are always welcome and there is a rumour that if a planned house move goes ahead we may even have a high ranking OMRS official transferring allegiance... The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 10 January 2006. Please arrive between 5.30 and 6pm as the doors will close after that time. Thanks to Stan Bates for providing the above information on the OMRS (01226 79072).
British Battles and Medals, Seventh EditionOur thanks to the many collectors who have supplied corrections, addenda and suggestions. We have had a wide variety of interesting contributions which will add significantly to the comprehensiveness and accuracy of this book. Further information about British Battles and Medals, to be published in 2006, will follow in due course.New Reference Work for Medal CollectorsThe Spink Book Department will be pleased to assist you with any enquiries about their stock of books on orders, medals and decorations, a selection of which is available online. if you prefer to contact them directly with your enquiry, you can do so on +44 (0)20 7563 4056, or by email.Below are details of a recently privately published work of reference that will interest collectors: A MANUAL FOR THE WEARING OF ORDERS, DECORATIONS AND MEDALS
This updated new Manual continues the fine tradition of its predecessors
and presents a wealth of detailed but clear information on the often complex
matter of the wearing of orders, decorations and medals. Previous publications
have been of great help to those required to wear awards on formal occasions
as well as to collectors. Due to a number of changes in the British awards
system since the last publication, this updated Manual has been eagerly
awaited. Compiled by Andrew Hanham, who has a great deal of knowledge
of this subject, the new volume will remain as a pre-eminent work of reference. THE ORDER OF CANADA: ITS ORIGINS, HISTORY, AND DEVELOPMENTS
Prices RealisedClick here to view the prices realised for the 24 November auction.
CataloguesTo take out an annual subscription for our auction catalogues, or to purchase catalogues individually, please contact us on 020 7563 4000, or email catalogues@spink.com. A breakdown of charges is provided here.Buying Medals on the Spink WebsiteFor those who have expressed an interest in receiving updates by email from Spink, we can contact you when new items are added to our online stocklists, usually every two to three weeks. If you are unsure whether we hold an email address for you, please email your details to enquiry@spink.com, stating that you wish to receive medal stock updates from Spink.Please note that items cannot be reserved and will remain on the site available for purchase until a firm sale has been completed. Auction ServiceFor those who prefer to engage an agent to bid on their behalf at the major auctions in London of Orders, Decorations and Medals, Spink now offer this as a free service. A representative from the Medal Department attends all major auctions and will be pleased to act on your behalf. The procedure for retaining Spink in this capacity is very straightforward, just contact John Hayward on 020 7563 4049Selling Medals at SpinkAlthough sale at auction of orders, medals and decorations is very successful, some clients still lean towards sale by private treaty. We at Spink are most interested in the straight purchase of both collections and individual items and will be pleased to discuss such arrangements.
•Click here to browse a selection of medals online
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